G7 Foreign Ministers strongly criticized China's maritime actions, calling them "dangerous," and for the first time identified the Philippines as a target of Chinese maritime aggression in their annual statement released on November 26.
They condemned China's risky maneuvers and use of water cannons against Philippine and Vietnamese vessels, and opposed Beijing's deployment of coast guard and maritime militia to impede freedom of navigation.
In addition, the G7 reiterated that China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis. They reiterated their opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea and South China Sea through force or coercion.
"There is no legal basis for China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. We reiterate our opposition to China's militarization and coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea."
The group, consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, expressed deep concern about escalating tensions in the region.
The G7 and the European Union reiterated their opposition to China's militarization and coercive and intimidating activities in the South China Sea. They emphasized the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the universal legal framework for regulating activities in the seas and oceans.
In addition, they underscored the importance of the July 12, 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China's nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea, describing it as a foundation for the peaceful resolution of disputes.
The G7 also emphasized the importance of peace and stability to global security and prosperity, stating, "We call for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.
Despite Beijing's refusal to recognize the ruling and its continued claims to nearly the entire South China Sea, the ruling remains a legal reference point. China's aggressive actions, including shadowing, obstructing, and using water cannons against Philippine patrol vessels and harassing Vietnamese fishing boats, have further heightened tensions in the region.
