The G-7 strongly opposes China's illegal island building in the South China Sea.

According to Kyodo, leaders of the Group of 7 industrialized nations (G-7) have expressed "strong opposition" to large-scale illegal island building activities in the South China Sea as part of China's efforts to change the status quo in the South China Sea by force.

Images captured by a US reconnaissance aircraft on May 21st show that China is still increasing its illegal land reclamation activities in the South China Sea. (Source: WSJ)

In addition, G-7 leaders affirmed that Beijing needs to clarify the basis of its territorial claims based on international law, rather than through threats, the use of force, or coercion.

Following the first day of meetings at the Schloss Elmau resort in southern Germany, Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshige Seko said the leaders also agreed that the G-7 would not lift sanctions against Russia unless Moscow fully implemented the ceasefire agreement reached in Minsk, Belarus, in February.

Furthermore, the leaders also "strongly criticized" North Korea for continuing its nuclear and missile development programs, as well as for human rights violations, including the abduction of Japanese citizens decades ago.

These are likely the contents of the joint statement that G-7 leaders will adopt on June 8th.

According to VNA