G7 denounces China's dangerous use of coast guard in South China Sea

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) have denounced China's "dangerous use" of its coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea.

The G7 statement expressed strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the East and South China Seas through force or coercion.

They also highlighted their opposition to China's obstruction of freedom of navigation on the high seas and reaffirmed that China's extensive maritime claims in the South China Sea lack legal basis.

The Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), hailed the G7 for opposing China's "baseless and excessive claims" and welcomed the grouping's commitment to upholding a rules-based international order.

The DFA called on China to stop its provocative behavior and distortion of facts, including through domestic laws and regulations that overreach into the Philippines' legally-settled maritime zones in violation of international law.

The Philippines also urged China to show sincerity in working together to de-escalate the situation through dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes.