France warns over Caribbean 'instability' as G7 talks open

France's foreign minister criticized "military operations" in the Caribbean at a G7 meeting on Tuesday, as the deployment of a US aircraft carrier strike group escalated an arms buildup in the region.

Speaking to reporters at the start of a Group of Seven gathering in Canada, top French diplomat Jean-Noel Barrot said it was crucial to avoid "instability caused by potential escalations," after Venezuela warned the US deployments could trigger a full-blown conflict. President Donald Trump's administration is conducting a military campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, deploying naval and air forces for an anti-drugs offensive.