G7 Warns China Over Military Activity Near Taiwan
G7 foreign ministers have warned that China’s increasing military and coast guard activities east of Taiwan threaten regional stability, freedom of navigation and international shipping. The joint declaration, issued following meetings in Paris on November 9-10, represents the group’s strongest collective expression of concern over Beijing’s operations near the island.
G7 Raises Concerns Over Chinese Activities Near Taiwan
The Group of Seven nations expressed concern about China’s expanding presence in waters east of Taiwan, where Chinese coast guard vessels have conducted regular patrols since June.
The ministers reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the existing situation across the Taiwan Strait through force, coercion or threats.
The statement emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability while protecting international maritime routes.
Taiwan Accuses China of Preparing Maritime Blockade
Taiwanese officials believe Beijing’s increasingly coordinated military, coast guard and civilian maritime operations could be preparations for a potential blockade.
Taipei has accused Chinese vessels of harassing commercial shipping and attempting to assert jurisdiction over waters near Taiwan’s eastern coast.
The region is strategically important because it could provide essential supply routes for Taiwan’s international partners during a military confrontation.
Taiwanese Defence Minister Wellington Koo also reported Chinese area-denial exercises in the Western Pacific involving an aircraft carrier and other naval formations.
Taiwan Welcomes G7 Statement on Regional Security
Taiwan’s Presidential Office welcomed the declaration, describing stability across the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific as essential to international security and economic prosperity.
Presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo said Taiwan would continue strengthening its defence capabilities and cooperation with international partners.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to establish control, although Beijing maintains that peaceful reunification remains its preferred approach.
China’s Foreign Ministry had not immediately responded to the G7 declaration.
