(CNA, Aix-en-Provence, June 17 - Comprehensive foreign media report) Leaders attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France issued a leaders' statement today following the second day of meetings, addressing issues in the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific region, and stating their opposition to 'unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait'.
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the G7 leaders explicitly stated in a declaration titled 'Geopolitical Issues' their support for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. The statement also noted that the United Kingdom and France are preparing to ensure the maritime security of the Strait of Hormuz through a multilateral framework, and praised this effort as 'playing an important role in the normalization of the Strait'.
The leaders' statement welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran, emphasizing that it 'has provided a historic opportunity to deny Iran nuclear weapons and missile development', indicating G7's support for the implementation of the agreement.
Regarding Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the statement indicated an expansion of military aid to Ukraine and stronger sanctions against Russia. On military assistance, the statement specifically stated, 'We agree to strengthen air defense capabilities, supply intercepting missiles, and enhance long-range strike capabilities'.
Additionally, while not naming China directly, the statement clearly targeted Beijing by reaffirming 'the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law. We reiterate our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, especially through the use of force or coercion in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait. These issues should be resolved exclusively through dialogue and peacefully.'
The leaders' statement also addressed North Korea's development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, stating a commitment to 'achieve the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions', and calling on North Korea to promptly resolve the abductions issue.
The Yomiuri Shimbun analyzed that, amid increasingly tense regional situations, the G7 aims to demonstrate unity.
The G7 summit is expected to conclude after discussions on trade imbalances and other issues. (Translation: Yang Wei-ching) 1150617
FACT BOX
- Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
- Category: Taiwan
- Dates in source: 1150617