Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven countries issued a joint declaration late on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, warning that China's growing assertiveness in the waters east of Taiwan poses a significant risk to regional stability. The statement, released after a meeting held in Paris, emphasized that these actions also threaten freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping routes.
Beijing has viewed Taiwan as part of its territory for decades. Since June, Chinese authorities have intensified activities off the island's eastern coast through regular coast guard patrols. Officials in Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, believe these maneuvers are rehearsals for a potential maritime blockade. They note that China is utilizing a mix of military, paramilitary, and civilian assets to achieve this goal.
The G7 declaration stressed the critical importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The ministers explicitly reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo. The statement highlighted that such changes, particularly those achieved through force, coercion, or the threat thereof, are of major concern to the group.
China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the new declaration. Beijing maintains its position that it recognizes no claims of sovereignty by Taiwan. The diplomatic friction comes amid a broader backdrop of increased military and paramilitary activity in the region.
Following the latest patrol by the Chinese Coast Guard off the east coast last month, Taiwan reported that Chinese vessels were harassing shipping. Taipei described these actions as an attempt to exert a fictional jurisdiction over the area. The eastern coast is regarded by the Taiwanese government as vital for wartime supply routes from allies in the event of a conflict or blockade.
Western powers have shown a consistent pattern of concern regarding China's military presence around Taiwan. The United States, Britain, France, and Germany have all previously voiced worries about the specific actions taking place off the island's east coast. This recent G7 statement represents a unified front from these major economies on the issue.
Chinese military operations around Taiwan occur on a daily basis. On Tuesday, Wellington Koo, the Defence Minister of Taiwan, stated that China is conducting area denial drills in the Western Pacific. These exercises involve one of China's aircraft carriers along with other naval formations. Koo made these remarks following a reported increase in Chinese activities in the region.
The ongoing tensions underscore the complex strategic dynamics at play. While China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, it has stated that it prefers peaceful reunification. The G7's latest comments signal continued Western vigilance against shifts in the maritime balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region.
