G7 foreign ministers took a hardline stance on China on Friday, adopting stronger language regarding Taiwan and removing some conciliatory references seen in past statements, including mentions of “one China” policies.
A statement issued by the ministers, gathered in Canada, echoed a February Japan-US declaration condemning “coercion” towards Taiwan, which was welcomed by Taipei amid rising tensions with Beijing.
Compared to a G7 statement from November, this one raised concerns about China’s nuclear buildup, though it did not include concerns over China’s human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.
Also missing were mentions of the desire for “constructive and stable relations with China” and acknowledging the “importance of direct and candid engagement to express concerns and manage differences.”
The statement notably excluded assurances previously made in November that there was “no change in the basic position of the G7 members on Taiwan, including stated One-China policies,” as well as affirmations that the G7 was “not decoupling or turning inwards” and recognizing China’s importance in global trade.
The omission of the “one China” policy, which acknowledges Beijing as the official government of China while keeping ties with Taipei unofficial, is likely to alarm Beijing.
Referring again to Taiwan, the statement emphasized that the ministers “encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues” and reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.
The Chinese Embassy in Canada responded, accusing the G7 statements of “ignoring facts and China’s solemn position, grossly interfering in China’s internal affairs, and blatantly smearing China.” The embassy insisted that “the key to upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait lies in abiding by the one-China principle.”
US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had introduced the term “coercion” in the context of China’s growing military pressure on Taiwan during a summit last month.
While Trump’s approach toward Beijing remains unclear, the G7 ministers also voiced serious concerns over China’s actions in the East China Sea and South China Sea. They condemned China’s “dangerous maneuvers and water cannons” against the Philippines and Vietnam and criticized efforts to restrict freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
The G7 also expressed concerns about China’s non-market policies, which they argued lead to harmful over-capacity and market distortions. They urged Beijing to avoid export control measures that could disrupt global supply chains.
In response, the Chinese Embassy in Canada stated that the Asia-Pacific region “is not a chessboard for geopolitical rivalries” and urged the G7 to “abandon the Cold War mentality” and stop creating bloc confrontations, fueling tensions in the region. The embassy also rejected the G7’s “groundless” accusations, asserting that it was the G7 members who have “politicized and weaponized economic and trade issues.”
