Evian, June 17 -- Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to a "free and open Indo-Pacific region" and voiced concern over regional security challenges, including tensions in the East and South China Seas, the Taiwan Strait, and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

In a joint declaration on geopolitical issues adopted at the 52nd G7 Summit in France, the leaders said, "We emphasize the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region based on the rule of law."

The G7 also reiterated its opposition to coercive actions in the region, stating, "We reaffirm our opposition to any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo, particularly by force or coercion, in the East China Sea, the Sout...