The G7 Defense Ministers’ meeting took place on October 19 in Naples, Italy, marking the first such gathering since the group’s establishment in 1975. The joint statement from the meeting expressed concern over recent military exercises conducted by the Chinese military in the vicinity of Taiwan. Key topics addressed in the statement included support for Ukraine, issues in the Middle East and Africa, and defense readiness, with specific mention of the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for international security and prosperity.
While the G7 reaffirmed its commitment to the established one-China policy, it called for a peaceful resolution to cross-strait issues. The statement also highlighted serious concerns regarding the situations in the East and South China Seas, reaffirming strong opposition to any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion, including in maritime and air domains.
Regarding the Indo-Pacific region, the G7 reiterated its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the principles of rule of law and peaceful dispute resolution without resorting to the use of force or threats. The ministers noted that the Indo-Pacific is central to global growth, geopolitical developments, and military balance.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Japan’s newly appointed Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the meeting. Both reaffirmed the significance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and expressed a shared sense of urgency concerning military activities by China and Russia around Japan. They agreed to accelerate discussions on strengthening collaboration between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military.
According to reports from Kyodo News, Austin emphasized that the U.S. commitment to extend deterrence to Japan, including through nuclear capabilities, remains unwavering.
