The Chinese National People's Congress approves the proposed introduction of the mainland's national security law in Hong Kong during its closing session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 28, 2020. (Kyodo)

TOKYO - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Wednesday the Group of Seven industrialized countries will try to issue a joint statement over China's plan to impose a national security law in Hong Kong.

Noting that Tokyo has expressed its "serious concerns" about Beijing's push, Abe told parliament, "Japan wants to take the lead among the G-7 countries in issuing a statement based on the premise of 'one country, two systems'."

The G-7, which "groups together countries sharing universal values such as freedom, democracy and rule of law, has a mission to lead global public opinion," the premier said during a session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee.

Besides Japan, the G-7 includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United States.

G-7 foreign ministers are arranging to issue a joint statement to express concern about China's attempt to tighten its grip on the semiautonomous region, according to Japanese government officials.

Three G-7 members -- Britain, Canada and the United States -- and Australia have already issued a statement together condemning China's plan on the security law but Japan did not take part.

It is still unknown whether the G-7 can unite in its criticism of China over Hong Kong and issue a joint statement, with some having much closer ties with the Asian powerhouse than others.

Italy has joined China's "Belt and Road" initiative, seen as Beijing's attempt to boost its clout through infrastructure investments abroad. China was quick to send medical staff and supplies to Italy, which was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

The envisaged introduction of the law to crack down on what Beijing views as subversive activity in Hong Kong has raised concerns it will curtail political freedom in the former British colony, sparking local protests and international criticism.

Japan, for its part, conveyed its strong concerns on May 28 when China's national legislature passed a resolution to impose the security law. Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Akiba summoned the Chinese ambassador to Japan, Kong Xuanyou, at the time.

The Hong Kong issue has cast a shadow over Japan's plan to receive Chinese President Xi Jinping as a state guest, a visit that has already been postponed due to the pandemic.

On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Naoki Okada said Japan places importance on working closely with the G-7.

"We will continue to coordinate with the relevant countries with a view to sending out an appropriate message," the government spokesman said at a press conference.