28 August 2008, 16:55
China and G7 concerned with Georgia-Russia conflict
China has stated that "it is concerned" with the force opposition of Russia and Georgia. In this opinion, the country supports representatives of international European and North-Atlantic structures.
Prior to Russia's recognition of Abkhazia's and South Ossetia's independence, China kept cautious silence on the issue, and after the fact, a spokesman of the Chinese MFA has expressed concern with the situation.
"We understand the complexity of the past and the present of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. At the same time, we stick to the usual opinion for China in such situations that the parties will be able to settle contradictions through dialogue and consultations," runs the statement.
China and Russia have been long supporting diplomatic and economic relations; however, in view of Taiwan and its other disputable regions, Beijing stands against splitting any country into smaller parts, the Reuters reports.
The decision of Russia to recognize Abkhazia's and South Ossetia's independence was criticized by the G7 countries ("the Big Seven"). This is the topic of the statement adopted by the leading economic powers and disseminated by the US Department of State.
"We, Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, USA and Great Britain condemn the actions of Russia - our colleague in G8. We are upset by the excessive use of force in Georgia and the continuing occupation of the parts of this country," runs the statement of G7.
