G7, EU’s deep alarm at China’s military drill around Taiwan

G7 logo. Kyodo news

The foreign ministers of G7 countries and the high representative of the European Union in  joint statement issued on Monday expressed deep convern over China’s large-scale military drill around Taiwan.

G7 members and the international community have an interest in the preservation of peace and stability across the Taiwan Straight, the statement said adding, “We oppose any unilateral actions to threaten such peace and stability…” and continue to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through constructive cross-Strait dialogue…”

The text of the statement is as follows: 

We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, express deep concern about China’s provocative actions, particularly the recent large-scale military drills around Taiwan.

These increasingly frequent and destabilizing activities are raising cross-Strait tensions and put at risk global security and prosperity.

G7 members and the larger international community have an interest in the preservation of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We oppose any unilateral actions to threaten such peace and stability, including by force or coercion.

G7 members continue to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through constructive cross-Strait dialogue, according to a US State Department Press Release