The foreign ministers of the G7 countries have issued a joint warning to China over its increased military activity east of Taiwan. According to the G7, Beijing’s actions threaten regional stability, freedom of navigation and the security of international maritime transport. The statement marks the bloc’s most decisive joint response to Chinese activity in the region to date.
- The G7 has warned China of the threat to stability and shipping near Taiwan.
- The Chinese Coastguard regularly patrols the waters to the east of the island.
- Taiwan suspects Beijing of preparing for a possible naval blockade.
- The G7 countries have spoken out against changing the status quo by force or coercion.
The G7 has spoken out against China’s use of force against Taiwan
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States expressed serious concern about the situation in the Taiwan Strait.
The diplomats emphasised that they are becoming increasingly active China’s actions in the waters east of Taiwan pose risks not only to the island but also to international maritime traffic.
«We have reaffirmed our opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo, particularly through the use of force, coercion or threats,» the declaration states.
The G7 countries called for the disputes between Beijing and Taipei to be resolved peacefully and expressed their support for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations.
Previously, the US, the UK, France and Germany had each expressed their concerns about China’s activities separately. The new declaration represents their joint position at G7 level.
Taiwan fears preparations for a naval blockade
Since June 2026, China has stepped up its patrols of the waters off Taiwan’s east coast. Coastguard vessels are regularly deployed in these operations.
Taiwanese officials believe that Beijing may be rehearsing a naval blockade scenario, combining the actions of the navy, the coastguard and civilian vessels.
This area is of strategic importance to Taiwan. In the event of a military conflict, it is the eastern sea lanes that could be used to deliver aid and supplies from international partners.
In October, the Taiwanese authorities accused the Chinese coastguard of obstructing shipping and attempting to extend Beijing’s jurisdiction over adjacent waters.
Minister of Defence of Taiwan Wellington Ku He also reported on Chinese military exercises in the western Pacific involving an aircraft carrier and other warships. According to him, these manoeuvres are aimed at restricting access by foreign forces to certain maritime areas.
Taiwan welcomed the statement by its international partners
The Office of the President of Taiwan has welcomed the G7 declaration. A spokeswoman Karen Ku She emphasised that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are important for global security and economic prosperity.
Taipei has stated its intention to continue strengthening its defence capabilities and cooperation with international partners, in particular the «G7» countries.
Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and does not rule out the use of force to establish control over the island. At the same time, the Chinese leadership states that it favours a peaceful reunification.
