Presidential Office thanks G7 leaders for backing peace in Taiwan Strait

Taipei, June 17 (CNA) Taiwan's Presidential Office on Wednesday expressed its gratitude to the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) for issuing a joint statement reiterating their opposition to attempts to unilaterally and forcibly change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

"We highlight the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law," according to the statement released on the same day.

"We reaffirm our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force or coercion, in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait, which should only be resolved peacefully through dialogue," it said.

Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said in a statement that peace in the Taiwan Strait and the region has widespread support in the international community, and is in the core interest of the world.

Kuo said Taiwan plays a crucial role in the democratic alliance and global supply chains and will continue to strengthen its defense capabilities as a responsible regional partner and member of the international community, in the interest of regional peace and global prosperity.

The G7 Summit was held from June 15-17 in Évian-les-Bains, France.