Russia, China come down heavily on G7 nations after grouping targets them in communique

The Russian and Chinese sides did not take lightly the statements released at the G7 summitheld in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Moscow was the first to react, saying decisions at the G7 meet were aimed at the "double containment of Russia and China". Meanwhile, Beijing said G7's "approach has no international credibility whatsoever".

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, addressing a televised conference said the Western world was using Ukraine as a tool to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.

"The task was set loudly and openly — to defeat Russia on the battlefield, but not to stop there, but to eliminate it as a geopolitical competitor," said Lavrov.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

"Look at the decisions that are being discussed and adopted today in Hiroshima at G7 summit of the Seven, and which are aimed at the double containment of Russia and China," he added.

Lavrov was referring to a statement released by the grouping under which it was agreed to tighten sanctions against Moscow. The G7 statement also urged China, Moscow's partner to press President Vladimir Putin to halt his military aggression and withdraw troops from Ukraine.

Kremlin could have also been irked after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was given a space at the platform, holding a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who promised to make all efforts to end the war by using any means possible.

"India, and I, personally would do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine," PM Modi told Zelensky in their meeting.

WATCH |Ukraine's Zelenskiy at centre of last day of G7 summit

G7 manipulating China-related issues: Beijing

As for China, the country expressed 'strong dissatisfaction' with a communique issued by the grouping which targetted Beijing on issues such as the South China Sea, human rights and its alleged interference in foreign democracies.

"The G7 insisted on manipulating China-related issues, smearing and attacking China," said a spokesperson of the foreign ministry in Beijing.

"China expresses its strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition and has lodged an official protest with Japan, the host country of the summit, as well as other relevant parties."

ALSO READ |G7 summit 2023 LIVE | PM Modi holds bilateral talks with British PM Rishi Sunak

Notably, the bloc instructed China to not "conduct interference activities" whilst simultaneously expressing concerns about the human rights abuse of the Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang province as well as the treatment of other minorities in Tibet.

"The G7 trumpets that it wants to move towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous world. But in fact it is hindering world peace, undermining regional stability and inhibiting the development of other countries," the spokesperson added.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: