The foreign affairs chiefs of the Group of Seven leading industrial nations said they are committed to upholding a Free and Open Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and secure and based on “sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights.”
A joint statement in mid-March 2025 from the G7 nations of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus the European Union, also condemned the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the coercive and dangerous tactics of its People’s Liberation Army Navy and China Coast Guard in the South China and East China seas.
The G7 members, after their summit in Canada, said they “continue to oppose strongly unilateral attempts to change the status quo … by force and coercion. They expressed concern over the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine and Vietnamese vessels as well as efforts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight through militarization and coercion in the South China Sea, in violation of international law.”
China arbitrarily claims most of the South China Sea despite overlapping claims from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. China also ignores a 2016 international tribunal ruling that invalidated Beijing’s sovereignty contention. China Coast Guard vessels have rammed, obstructed and fired water cannons at Philippine resupply boats within Manila’s exclusive economic zone. Chinese vessels also harass fishing crews in Philippine waters and obstruct oil and gas operations in Indonesian, Malaysian and Vietnamese waters.
The G7 members also condemned unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait by force or coercion. China threatens to annex Taiwan by force and conducts frequent military drills and patrols near the self-governed island as attempts at intimidation.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said it will continue to strengthen cooperation with G7 members and allies to maintain a Free and Open Indo-Pacific “and firmly protect the universal values of democracy and freedom,” the Taipei Times newspaper reported.
The G7 members also:
- Condemned North Korea’s military assistance to Russia in the war with Ukraine and “the provision of weapons and dual-use components by China, a decisive enabler of Russia’s war and of the reconstitution of Russia’s armed forces.” North Korea shipped ballistic missiles to Russia in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and has deployed an estimated 11,000 troops to aid Moscow. Meanwhile, Chinese and Russian companies partnered to develop long-range, uncrewed weapon systems for use in Ukraine, according to reports, and Beijing helped Moscow circumvent international economic sanctions and export controls.
- Demanded that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in accordance with U.N. Security Council resolutions.
- Expressed concern over the CCP’s military buildup and rapidly increasing nuclear arsenal. They called on China to engage in strategic risk reduction discussions and promote stability through transparency.
- Emphasized that China should not conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the security, safety and integrity of democratic institutions.
The G7 has recently reiterated its concerns over China’s coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific region and reaffirmed its commitment to a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP). This stance reflects growing unease among Western nations over China’s assertive behavior, including military expansion, economic pressure, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea.
Key Points of the G7’s Position:
- Condemnation of Coercion – The G7 (comprising the U.S., Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy, and Canada) criticized China’s use of economic coercion, aggressive maritime claims, and military intimidation against neighboring countries.
- Support for FOIP – The group emphasized the importance of a rules-based order, freedom of navigation, and peaceful resolution of disputes in line with international law (e.g., UNCLOS).
- Countering Economic Pressure – The G7 expressed concerns over China’s trade restrictions, sanctions, and unfair economic practices, pledging to support nations facing such pressure.
- Strengthening Partnerships – The group aims to deepen cooperation with ASEAN, India, Australia, and other regional partners to counterbalance China’s influence.
China’s Response:
- Beijing has dismissed the G7’s criticism as “interference in internal affairs” and accused the group of “hypocrisy and Cold War mentality.”
- China insists its actions are peaceful and lawful, framing its regional policies as promoting development and stability.
Broader Implications:
- The G7’s stance signals a unified Western approach to countering China’s growing assertiveness.
- The U.S. and allies are likely to increase military, economic, and diplomatic engagement in the Indo-Pacific, including through initiatives like the Quad (U.S., Japan, India, Australia) and AUKUS.
This development underscores the deepening geopolitical divide between Western democracies and China, with the Indo-Pacific remaining a key battleground for influence.
