The Group of Seven (G7) has condemned China for its escalating use of aggressive tactics, including dangerous maneuvers and water cannons, against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. In a communiqué released Saturday at the conclusion of the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, the leaders voiced strong concern over tensions in both the East and South China Seas and reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral actions aimed at altering the status quo through force or coercion.
The G7 specifically cited alarm over the “increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine vessels,” underscoring the bloc’s deepening concern.
In a communiqu issued on Saturday following the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, the leaders of the powerful economic bloc expressed concern over developments in the East and South China Seas, reiterating their ‘‘strong opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion.’’
‘‘We continue opposing China’s dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea and its repeated obstruction of countries’ high seas freedom of navigation,’’ the statement read.
‘‘We express serious concern about the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine vessels.’’
The G7 comprises the world’s leading industrialized democracies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
China continues to assert extensive claims over the South China Sea, including areas that fall within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Tensions have remained high since August 2023, when the Chinese Coast Guard first used water cannons to obstruct a Philippine resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at Ayungin Shoal.
