Japan Ambassador Rebuts Chinese Minister’s Criticism of G7 Communique

By Kiyota Higa / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent

17:44 JST, May 23, 2023

BEIJING — Japanese Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi, who was summoned by vice foreign minister Sun Weidong on Sunday, rebutted China’s criticism of the Group of Seven leaders’ communique according to an announcement from the Japanese Embassy in Beijing.

Sun registered protest of the communique, which reaffirmed “the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” for aiming to “grossly interfere with China’s domestic affairs.”

Tarumi rebutted, “It is natural for G7 countries to discuss a source of shared concerns. Things are not likely to change unless China changes its behavior.”

Tarumi also insisted that bilateral exchange activities be maintained.

“Even when Japan-China relations are difficult, it is important to promote private sector and cultural exchange,” he said.