G7 foreign ministers say China's activity east of Taiwan threatens stability

Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven industrialised democracies have said that China's activity in the waters east of Taiwan threatens regional stability, according to Reuters and the Taipei Times.

The ministers met in Paris on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 10 and 11, 2026, together with the European Union's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, the Taipei Times reported. Reuters reported that the joint declaration was published late on Wednesday.

What the statement says

According to Reuters, the ministers said China's "increasingly assertive actions in the waters east of Taiwan threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation" as well as "the safety of international shipping." Both outlets reported that the ministers reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, particularly through force or coercion.

The Taipei Times reported that the statement also encouraged "the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues through constructive dialogue" and supported Taiwan's "meaningful participation in international organizations." Reporting on the declaration did not describe any specific measures in response.

The United States, Britain, France and Germany had previously raised concerns individually about China's actions off Taiwan's east coast, according to both outlets. The Taipei Times described the joint statement as "the strongest unified expression of concern about Beijing's activities to date."

Background

Reuters and the Taipei Times reported that China has increased activity off Taiwan's east coast since June, including regular coast guard patrols. Taiwanese officials say China is likely practising for a possible maritime blockade using military, paramilitary and civilian vessels, according to both outlets. Taipei regards the waters off its east coast as critical to supply routes from allies in a blockade or conflict.

Reuters reported that Taiwan said the most recent Chinese coast guard patrol, last month, was harassing shipping and trying to exert a "fictional jurisdiction." Both outlets reported that Taiwan's defence minister, Wellington Koo, said on Tuesday that China was conducting "area denial" drills in the Western Pacific involving an aircraft carrier and other naval formations.

China regards Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control, though it says it prefers "peaceful reunification," Reuters reported. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.

Reactions

The Taipei Times reported that Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo said Taiwan would keep strengthening its defences and resilience, and that "peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region are vital to global security and prosperity." Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee said the government "welcomed the G7 statement," according to the same report.

Reuters reported that China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Some later summaries of wire coverage said Beijing rejected the statement; Comlumen was unable to confirm the wording of any formal Chinese response at the time of writing.