China Wants Disputed South Sea Off G-7 Agenda

China has warned the Group of Seven (G-7) countries against holding talks that it argues could worsen tensions in the South China Sea. Maritime disputes are one of a host of issues that leaders of the seven countries are expected to discuss during their meetings in Tokyo this week.

U.S. President Barack Obama, speaking at the opening of the G-7 Summit in Japan on Thursday, said the G-7 leaders intend to cover the South China Sea along with other international issues of the day.

"We begin to touch on some of the key security issues that are important to all of us. South China Sea and maritime security." he said.

Last month, the G-7 foreign ministers issued a joint statement on maritime security at the conclusion of their meetings, voicing their concern about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea.