China angered at G7 statement on East, South China SeasApril 12, 2016 - 08:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - China has said G7 nations should "stop making irresponsible remarks" after foreign ministers released a statement on maritime territorial disputes, BBC News reports. The ministers, meeting in Japan, said they opposed "any intimidating coercive or provocative unilateral actions" that could increase tension. China claims almost all the South China Sea and areas of the East China Sea, angering neighbours who have competing claims. It has also been reclaiming land. Experts say satellite images of the reclamation work could indicate that China may be steadily militarising the islands it is creating or expanding. The foreign ministers of the G7 group of industrialised nations - U.S., Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan - did not explicitly mention China in their statement. But they called on all states to "refrain from such actions as land reclamations" and building outposts "for military purposes" that could risk stability or change the status quo. Disputes should be solved "in good faith and in accordance with international law," they said. In his response, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang reiterated China's belief it has a legitimate claim to the territory. He urged the foreign ministers to "stop making irresponsible remarks and all irresponsible actions, and truly play a constructive role for regional peace and stability". Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |