Beijing: China has rebuked the powerful G7 group of nations for issuing a communique expressing concern at developments in the South China Sea.

China accused the G7, comprised of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States, of "interfering" in South China Sea and East China Sea issues.

The G7's communique - similar to a statement it issued last year - came days after the US Navy conducted its first freedom of navigation patrol in the South China Sea under the Trump presidency, when the USS Dewey on Wednesday came within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef, which is claimed by China. The patrol prompted an angry response from China.

On Sunday, China's foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the G7 and "countries outside" should fully respect the efforts made by countries in the region to handle disputes, and stop making irresponsible remarks.