Concerned about the growing security challenges in East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers on Friday (Canada time) have reiterated their commitment to securing a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
“We remain deeply concerned by the use of force and coercion to alter the status quo in the region,” said the foreign ministers in a statement released from Charlevoix, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the High Representative of the European Union,
“This includes the troubling use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine and Vietnamese vessels, as well as efforts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, contrary to international law,” they added, affirming that their shared goal remains one of upholding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution.
The statement also underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.
“The G7 remains opposed to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion and continues to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in relevant international organizations,” the ministers said.
The G7 expressed particular concern over China’s increasing military presence and nuclear weapon expansion. They urged China to engage in discussions to reduce strategic risks and promote stability through transparency.
“China must avoid actions that undermine the security of our communities and the integrity of democratic institutions,” the G7 leaders added.
In addition to security issues, the G7 raised concerns over China’s non-market practices, which they believe contribute to harmful market distortions. They called on China to refrain from adopting export control measures that could disrupt global supply chains, reiterating that a growing China adhering to international rules would be in the best interest of the global community.
The statement also condemned the North Korean regime’s continued nuclear weapons development and ballistic missile programs, calling on Pyongyang to abandon its weapons of mass destruction in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“We are also deeply concerned about North Korea’s criminal activities, including its theft of cryptocurrency,” the ministers added.
Finally, the G7 strongly denounced the military regime’s brutal repression of Myanmar’s people and called for an end to violence and unhindered humanitarian access.
The G7 members’ statement is a clear reaffirmation of their collective commitment to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific, where sovereignty, peace, and international norms are upheld.
The G7 represents some of the world’s largest advanced economies and plays a key role in addressing global economic, political, and security challenges. Through collaborative efforts, the G7 promotes democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and seeks to address pressing international issues.
