G7 Warns China's Moves East of Taiwan Threaten Global Shipping

G7 foreign ministers have warned that China's increasingly assertive maritime activities east of Taiwan threaten regional stability and international shipping, issuing a joint declaration following talks in Paris.

The statement, published on November 12 after the November 9–10 meeting, expressed concern over Beijing's growing presence in waters that Taipei considers critical to maintaining access to international supply routes during a potential conflict.

The ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, alongside the European Union, reaffirmed their opposition to attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion.

China has increased coast guard patrols off Taiwan's eastern coast since June, according to Reuters.

Taiwanese officials believe the operations could form part of preparations for a potential maritime blockade involving military, coast guard and civilian vessels.

Taipei considers its eastern maritime approaches strategically important because they could provide access for supplies and assistance from international partners during a crisis.

The G7 declaration follows statements by Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo that Chinese naval formations, including an aircraft carrier group, have conducted area-denial exercises in the Western Pacific.

Taiwan welcomed the G7 statement, saying stability in the Taiwan Strait is essential to international security and economic prosperity.

Beijing rejected the criticism as interference in its internal affairs.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to achieve unification, while Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.

The G7 did not announce new sanctions or military deployments in response to the activities, instead calling for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait differences through dialogue.