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China warns G-7 summit should focus on economy, development

TOKYO, May 26 (KUNA) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday urged the Group of Seven (G-7) to focus on economic, financial and development issues of global concern instead of exacerbating regional tensions related to the South China Sea issue, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.
"They should maintain a fair and just stance on whatever they discuss and avoid double standard," Wang was quoted as saying at a press briefing in Beijing. "The G-7 should not exacerbate or provoke regional tension," the minister said on the preparation for the Group of 20 (G-20) Hangzhou Summit due September 4-5.
Leaders of the G-7 countries -- Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the US convened the summit in central Japan, which runs Thursday through Friday.
"China hopes the G-7, the members of which are also members of the G-20, would coordinate with the G-20 and play a positive and constructive role for a successful G-20 summit," Wang said.
He reiterated China's stance on the South China Sea, saying the disputes should be peacefully settled through dialogue and negotiation between directly-involved countries, based on international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. (end) mk.nfm