Migrants and tensions with Beijing closes Iseshima G7

The leaders gathered in Japan express "concern" about the tensions in Asia caused by the "renewed protagonism" of China, and define the migrant crisis "a global problem to be addressed on a global level". Each nation should strive to resolve the crisis with the means deemed most appropriate, the real issue is the need "to strengthen global demand while maintaining debt at sustainable levels."


Tokyo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The leaders gathered in Japan for the G7 summit, which has just concluded,  have expressed "concern" about the tensions in Asia related to "renewed protagonism" of China in the South and East China Seas.

"We are concerned - write the Heads of State and Government in the final declaration of the summit Iseshima - about the situation in the East and South China Seas, and emphasize the fundamental importance of peaceful management and settlement of disputes ".

Even if specific cases were not mentioned, the members of the various delegations pointed out that Beijing is building artificial islands to consolidate its claims on an area around the Spratly and Paracel islands in the South China Sea, claimed by several countries in the region . Beijing also has a dispute with Japan over sovereignty of the Senkaku (Diaoyu islands in Chinese). The statement comes a day after the Chinese request "not to mention internal regional affairs".

The final declaration also addresses the migrant crisis, especially felt in the continent of Europe: "It is a problem that needs to be addressed on a global scale. The G7 recognises the ongoing large scale movements of migrants and refugees as a global challenge which requires a global response".

Mention is also made of the economic crisis. Divided on the right approach to overcoming it - the supporters of stimuli against the heralds of austerity - the G7 members write: "Taking into account country-specific circumstances, we commit to strengthening our economic policy responses in a cooperative manner and to employing a more forceful and balanced policy mix, in order to swiftly achieve a strong, sustainable and balanced growth pattern".