The Group of Seven leading industrialized nations has adopted a document focusing on maritime security for the first time, giving Japan new backing in its bid to step up pressure on China over territorial issues.

G-7 foreign ministers, endorsing a "Declaration on Maritime Security" document after meeting in the northern German city of Lubeck, said they opposed any attempt to press maritime or territorial claims "through the use of intimidation, coercion or force" in the context of Chinese activities taking place mainly in the South China Sea.

In the talks that ended Wednesday, maritime security was a main focus for the first time since the forum was formed in the late 1970s. The G-7 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.