G7 Condemns China’s Coercive Actions in South China Sea

In a powerful statement, the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations condemned China’s coercive actions in the South China Sea, calling for adherence to international law and respect for the rights of all nations in the region. The statement, released on February 17, 2025, came in response to escalating tensions and ongoing territorial disputes involving China and its neighbors.

The G7, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, expressed strong support for a rules-based international order in maritime affairs. The group emphasized the need for peaceful resolution of disputes and urged all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that could escalate tensions in the resource-rich waters.

The South China Sea has been a site of increasing friction, particularly as China continues to assert its claims over vast areas of the sea, often leading to confrontations with other claimants such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. 

The G7’s statement reflects a growing consensus among Western nations regarding the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

As the G7 nations emphasize their commitment to coordination and cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, China’s response to this condemnation remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that any escalation in military activities or diplomatic tensions could further complicate an already volatile situation in the South China Sea, where economic interests and national sovereignty intersect.