by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer
Taiwan expressed gratitude yesterday to the G7 foreign ministers for highlighting the significance of peace in the Taiwan Strait for global security and prosperity, as well as for endorsing Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
The G7 foreign ministers convened on Monday and Tuesday in Fiuggi and Anagni, Italy, where they advocated for a free and open Indo-Pacific region and voiced serious concerns regarding the situations in the East and South China Seas.
In a joint statement, the ministers reiterated their strong opposition to any unilateral actions aimed at altering the status quo through force or coercion, asserting that there is “no legal basis” for China’s claims over these waters.
The statement emphasized that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is crucial for international security and prosperity, calling for a peaceful resolution to cross-Strait issues. They also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement in international organizations, whether as a member where statehood is not required, or as an observer or guest where it is.
The G7 urged Beijing to comply with the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling regarding the South China Sea, which supported the Philippines’ claims in the contested area.
In response, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement welcoming the support from global leaders. The ministry affirmed that Taiwan, as a responsible player in the Indo-Pacific, will continue to strengthen cooperation with G7 nations and uphold universal values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Taiwan committed to collaborating with like-minded partners to defend a rules-based international order and promote peace and stability both regionally and globally.
The G7 ministers also expressed deep concern over China’s growing support for Russia amid its unlawful invasion of Ukraine, as well as the human rights situation in China, particularly in Xinjiang and Tibet, and the erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong. They urged China to fulfill its treaty obligations to preserve Hong Kong’s free institutions and to refrain from undermining democratic institutions in other countries.