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

G7 foreign ministers issued a joint declaration expressing concern that China's increasingly assertive actions in the waters east of Taiwan threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation. The statement, released after a meeting in Paris, reaffirmed opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo by force.

G7 foreign ministers issued a joint declaration late Wednesday expressing concern that China's increasingly assertive actions in the waters east of Taiwan threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation. The statement, released after a meeting in Paris, stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and reaffirmed opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, particularly by force or coercion. Taiwan has reported stepped-up Chinese coast guard patrols since June and believes China is practicing for a potential maritime blockade. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The United States, Britain, France and Germany have previously expressed concern about China's actions off Taiwan's east coast.