TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Group of Seven foreign ministers on Wednesday issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and expressing concern over China’s surging military buildup.

The ministers met on Tuesday and Wednesday in Canada’s Niagara Region, per CNA. Following the meeting, they released a statement reaffirming their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific grounded in the rule of law and opposing any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo.

The ministers underscored alarm over the “use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons in the South China Sea.” They also condemned attempts to obstruct freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea through militarization and coercive behavior. 

“We emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, particularly by force or coercion," said the ministers. They added, “We encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues through constructive dialogue.”

The G7 representative also voiced support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in “appropriate international organizations.” 

They continue to be concerned over China's military buildup and the rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal. They urged Beijing to “demonstrate its commitment to stability through improved transparency.”