The G7’s Express “Deep Concern” Over China’s Military Drills Around Taiwan

The G7 Foreign Ministers, representing Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the High Representative of the European Union, issued a joint statement expressing “deep concern” over China’s recent large-scale military drills around Taiwan. They described these actions as “provocative” and noted that the increasingly frequent and destabilizing activities are heightening tensions across the Taiwan Strait, posing risks to both global security and prosperity. The G7 emphasized their collective interest, alongside the broader international community, in maintaining peace and stability in the region, opposing any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion.

The G7’s statement signals that China’s actions are perceived as a direct challenge to the stability of the Taiwan Strait, a critical geopolitical flashpoint. This could lead to an escalation in military posturing, not just from China, but also from the U.S., Japan, and other regional allies who have strategic interests in countering Beijing’s assertiveness. The joint statement underscores a coordinated Western response, aligning major economies against China’s actions. This unity could embolden further diplomatic or economic measures, such as sanctions or trade restrictions, if China persists or escalates its military activities.

By labeling the drills “provocative” and opposing unilateral changes to the status quo, the G7 is implicitly warning China of potential consequences. This could strain China’s relations with G7 nations, particularly in areas like trade, technology, and climate cooperation, where Beijing seeks collaboration. The G7’s support for peaceful resolution and stability bolsters Taiwan’s international standing, even though it isn’t formally recognized as a sovereign nation by most G7 members. This could encourage Taiwan to maintain its defensive posture while relying on implicit backing from Western powers.

The G7’s vocal stance might provoke a sharper response from China, which views Taiwan as a non-negotiable part of its territory. If Beijing interprets this as interference, it could double down on military exercises or take more aggressive steps, increasing the risk of an unintended conflict. The Taiwan Strait is a vital artery for global trade, especially semiconductors, with Taiwan producing over 60% of the world’s chips. Any escalation could disrupt supply chains, rattle markets, and exacerbate existing economic pressures, a concern the G7 explicitly tied to “global prosperity.”

Taiwan’s Position

Taiwan views itself as a self-governing democracy, officially named the Republic of China (ROC), with a distinct identity and political system separate from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Its stance on the current situation with China’s military drills is rooted in a mix of defiance, caution, and reliance on international support: Taiwan’s government, led by President Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), staunchly rejects Beijing’s claim that it is a province of China. In response to the drills, Taiwan has condemned them as threats to its sovereignty and regional peace. It has deployed its own military forces, including air and naval patrols, to monitor and counter China’s actions, signaling readiness to defend itself.

Taipei has urged China to cease provocative actions, framing them as destabilizing to the region and a violation of international norms. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has publicly tracked and reported on Chinese military movements, emphasizing transparency to rally global attention. Taiwan welcomes statements like the G7’s, seeing them as validation of its position and a deterrent against Chinese aggression. While it lacks formal diplomatic recognition from most nations, Taiwan leverages soft power and economic importance—especially its dominance in semiconductor production—to secure informal support from the U.S., Japan, and others.

China’s Position

China, under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and President Xi Jinping, considers Taiwan an inseparable part of its territory, a core element of its “One China” principle. Its stance on the drills and the broader Taiwan issue is uncompromising and assertive: Beijing frames the military exercises as a legitimate response to perceived provocations, such as Taiwan’s growing ties with the U.S. (e.g., arms sales, official visits) and the DPP’s pro-independence rhetoric. China insists that reunification—by force if necessary—is a historical inevitability and a national priority.

The large-scale drills, often involving dozens of warplanes, naval vessels, and simulated blockades, are designed to demonstrate China’s military capability and willingness to act. They serve as a warning to both Taiwan and its supporters, particularly the U.S., against crossing Beijing’s red lines. China has dismissed the G7’s statement as interference in its internal affairs, arguing that Taiwan is a domestic issue beyond the jurisdiction of foreign powers. The PRC’s Foreign Ministry typically accuses critics of “hypocrisy” and “hegemonism,” claiming the drills are defensive measures to protect its sovereignty.

The fundamental disconnects lies in their irreconcilable views: Taiwan sees itself as a de facto independent entity with the right to self-determination, while China views it as a breakaway province that must be reclaimed. The drills—and the G7’s reaction—highlight this impasse, with Taiwan leaning on international sympathy and China doubling down on military pressure. Neither side shows willingness to back down, making the status quo a tense balancing act sustained by deterrence and diplomacy.

With the U.S. as a G7 member and a key player in the region, this statement reinforces Washington’s hardline stance against China. It could further sour bilateral ties, complicating efforts to address other global issues like climate change or nuclear proliferation. In short, the G7’s position amplifies the stakes in an already volatile situation, signaling both resolve and a call for de-escalation, while setting the stage for a complex interplay of diplomacy, military strategy, and economic considerations.