European Powers Warn over China’s Actions Near Taiwan
Britain, France and Germany have issued a rare joint warning over Chinese maritime activity near Taiwan, saying recent operations east of the island risk undermining regional stability and freedom of navigation.
The statement came after China sent coast guard vessels into waters off Taiwan’s eastern coast for what Beijing described as a maritime law-enforcement and survey operation. Taiwan rejected China’s claims and accused Chinese vessels of harassing commercial ships.
In a joint statement from their representative offices in Taipei, the three European powers said they were concerned by «novel Chinese activity» and opposed any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion.
Beijing says Taiwan is part of China and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan’s government rejects China’s sovereignty claims, arguing that only its people can decide the island’s future.
The warning highlights growing European concern over security in the Taiwan Strait, a key global trade route and one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints.
