“A growing China that plays by international rules would be of global interest,” the leaders said in the statement.
“We are not decoupling or turning inwards. At the same time, we recognise that economic resilience requires de-risking and diversifying.”
The group added it would take steps “individually and collectively” to invest in their “own economic vibrancy” as well as “reduce excessive dependencies in our critical supply chains.”
With respect to the South China Sea, the leaders expressed their opposition to “China’s expansive maritime claims and militarisation activities” in the highly disputed region.
Philippines stands out in Asean over embrace of US’ Indo-Pacific strategy
Philippines stands out in Asean over embrace of US’ Indo-Pacific strategy
The Chinese Navy has increasingly drawn criticism from southeast Asian countries for what has been described as belligerent conduct.
Whitsun Reef, also referred to as Julian Felipe Reef by Manila, lies about 320 kilometres (199 miles) off the Philippine coast. The island nation claims it as part of its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
In recent years, however, military and Chinese ships have been sighted in its vicinity more frequently.
The G7 leaders on Wednesday said there was no legal basis for Chinese maritime expansion in the South China Sea.
They called on Beijing to respect the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, also known as Unclos, and the decision made by The Hague’s Permanent Arbitration Court in 2016.
The tribunal also found Beijing in violation of Manila’s sovereign rights by obstructing oil exploration, prohibiting Philippine fishing activities, allowing Chinese fishing operations and undertaking environmentally damaging land reclamation.
Xi calls on coastguard to enforce law, defend China’s territorial sovereignty
Xi calls on coastguard to enforce law, defend China’s territorial sovereignty