Washington: Leaders of the G7 countries on Sunday expressed “deep concern” over China’s recent large-scale military exercises around the island of Taiwan.
Foreign ministers of the G7 - Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States - plus the European Union condemned Beijing’s “provocative actions.” “These increasingly frequent and destabilizing activities are raising cross-Strait tensions and put at risk global security and prosperity,” they said in a joint statement.
G7 members and the international community have an interest in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the statement added.
“We oppose any unilateral actions to threaten such peace and stability, including by force or coercion.” China’s military conducted the drills over two days in early April. The military said the exercise, involving the army, navy, air force and missile unit, included precision strikes on simulated key targets.
In addition to regular military exercises, Chinese fighter jets fly almost daily into Taiwan’s air defence zone, usually prompting a response from Taiwan’s Air Force. China regards Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic and has repeatedly threatened to invade it in the past. It has warned other countries, notably the US, to stop supporting Taiwan, which it regards as interference in China’s domestic affairs. (DPA)
