Global Stand Against Aggression: G7 Condemns China’s South China Sea Militarization
In a statement released recently, the Group of Seven (G7) has voiced strong criticism against China’s actions in the South China Sea (SCS), particularly highlighting concerns regarding its militarization and alleged intimidation tactics. The G7 foreign ministers expressed alarm over reports of Chinese coast guard engaging in what they termed as ‘dangerous maneuvers’ and the use of water cannons against Filipino vessels conducting routine resupply missions to the Ayungin Shoal.
The communiqué issued by the G7 foreign ministers underscored their opposition to China’s unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the region through coercion or force. Specifically, they condemned China’s use of coast guard and maritime militia in the SCS, citing instances of obstruction to freedom of navigation and heightened tensions, particularly in encounters involving Philippine vessels.
Furthermore, the G7 reiterated its stance on the South China Sea disputes, emphasizing the lack of legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the area. The group reaffirmed its support for the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated Beijing’s nine-dash line and delineated the limits of its maritime entitlements under international law.
The G7, comprising leading industrialized democracies including Canada, France, the United States, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, emphasized the importance of upholding international law and peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea.”
The recent incident involving the civilian vessel Unaizah May 1 being obstructed, harassed, and sprayed with water cannon by a Chinese coast guard vessel during a resupply mission to troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on 5th March 2024, has been labeled as ‘dangerous’ by observers. On Friday (19th April, 2024), the Group of Seven (G7) criticized China for its militarization efforts and “intimidation activities” in the South China Sea. The focus was particularly on what the G7 termed as “dangerous maneuvers” directed at Filipino vessels conducting routine resupply missions to the Ayungin Shoal.
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