G7: "China's Military Drills in Taiwan Strait Cannot Be Justified... Concerns Over Threats"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The Group of Seven (G7), including the United States, stated on the 3rd (local time) that China's aggressive military exercises in the Taiwan Strait in response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan cannot be justified.

The G7 foreign ministers issued a joint statement on the day, saying, "The aggressive military activities in the Taiwan Strait under the pretext of (Speaker Pelosi's Taiwan) visit cannot be justified," and pointed out, "China's escalated response raises tensions and risks destabilizing the region."

They also expressed concern about "China's recent and anticipated threatening actions," emphasizing, "In particular, live-fire drills and economic coercion increase the risk of unnecessary escalation." They continued, "We urge China not to unilaterally change the current situation in the region by force but to resolve cross-strait differences through peaceful means," emphasizing that "the 'One China' principle and G7's fundamental stance on Taiwan remain unchanged."

Immediately after Speaker Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on the night of the 2nd, China announced high-intensity military demonstrations effectively surrounding the Taiwan Strait and economic retaliatory measures. Currently, China considers Pelosi's visit to Taiwan as an infringement on China's sovereignty and the 'One China' principle. The G7 includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and Canada.