Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven countries are considering issuing a statement expressing concern over China's introduction of national security legislation for Hong Kong, according to sources.
The Japanese government is reportedly coordinating efforts among G7 members to urge Beijing to maintain Hong Kong's "one country, two systems" policy.
According to senior Foreign Ministry officials, the statement is being discussed in detail at the working-level among G7 members. The main focus of the statement will be a request to China to reconsider the introduction of the national security law.
The United States and Britain have also been coordinating efforts to issue a joint statement with several countries, but the Japanese government considers the G7 framework to be significant.
But there is no set response to China even amon the G7 members; for example, Italy is strengthening its ties with China through the Belt and Road Initiative and the provision of medical support after the coronavirus outbreak. It is uncertain whether the G7 will be able to compile a joint statement.
The Japanese government hopes to include in the statement requests for the system in Hong Kong to be maintained and the democratic development of the region.
Shortly after China's National People's Congress adopted a plan to introduce national security laws in Hong Kong, then Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Akiba summoned Chinese Ambassador to Japan Kong Xuanyou to the Foreign Ministry to convey Japan's position.
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