G7 foreign ministers concerned Chinese military actions near Taiwan threaten regional stability

The G7 foreign ministers expressed deep concern over China's increasingly aggressive actions in the waters east of Taiwan, warning that such behavior threatens regional stability and freedom of navigation. In a joint declaration released late on Wednesday following a meeting in Paris, the ministers emphasized the importance of preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

China, which regards Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military activity in the region since June, conducting regular coast guard patrols. Taiwan, which rejects China's sovereignty claims, believes Beijing is practicing for a possible maritime blockade by combining military, paramilitary, and civilian assets.

The G7 statement stressed that the ministers reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo, especially through force or coercion. China's foreign ministry declined to comment on the matter immediately after the statement's release.

Following China's latest coast guard patrol off Taiwan's east coast, Taiwan alleged that China was harassing shipping and attempting to claim jurisdiction over the area. This region is deemed crucial for wartime supply routes from allies if a blockade or conflict were to occur.

The United States, Britain, France, and Germany have previously voiced their apprehension regarding China's actions near Taiwan's eastern coastline. Recent "area denial" drills involving one of China's aircraft carriers and other naval formations were reported by Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo, following an apparent increase in Chinese activities in the area.

China has consistently denied the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control but maintains that it would prefer a "peaceful reunification."