Leaders of the G7 group expressed concern over the territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas, in a joint declaration released on the second day of the G7 summit in Japan.
ISE-SHIMA
(Japan), (Sputnik) – The South China Sea has recently seen increased
tensions between Washington and Beijing as both try to reaffirm their
dominance in the region. US air and naval patrols persistently challenge
China's claims over territories disputed with Brunei, Malaysia,
Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan.
"We are concerned about the situation in the
East and South China Seas, and emphasize the fundamental importance
of peaceful management and settlement of disputes," the declaration
says.
Japan and China have rival claims to the Tokyo-controlled Senkaku
islands in the East China Sea. The conflict became aggravated in 2012
when China sent warships to the waters around the islands after Japan
claimed to have purchased them from private owners.