MANILA, April 20 -- The Group of Seven (G7) has called out China over its militarization and "intimidation activities" in the South China Sea (SCS), as it took note of Beijing's "dangerous maneuvers" and water cannon use against Filipino vessels carrying out routine resupply missions to the Ayungin Shoal.

In a communique issued on Friday, the foreign ministers of the G7 states opposed China's "dangerous use" of coast guard and maritime militia in asserting its claim over the vital waterway.

"We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas and reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion," it read.

"We continue to oppose China's dangerous use of ...