Allies in Taipei condemn Chinese drills off eastern Taiwan

The de facto embassies of the United Kingdom, Germany, and France in Taiwan, alongside the US office, have voiced significant concern over China's recent "special maritime law enforcement operations" conducted in waters east of Taiwan. These actions, described as threatening regional stability, have prompted a unified stance from the Western nations opposing any unilateral alteration of the Taiwan Strait's status quo.

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These actions threaten regional stability, and the freedom of navigation and safety of international shipping.

In a joint statement, the British Office Taipei, the German Institute Taipei, and the French Office in Taipei stated they had "noted with concern novel Chinese activity in the waters east of Taiwan." They emphasized that such actions threaten regional stability and the freedom of navigation and safety of international shipping. The statement unequivocally reiterated their opposition to "any unilateral change to the status quo, particularly by threat or use of force or coercion," underscoring the fundamental importance of guaranteeing navigational rights and freedoms for all vessels.

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We reiterate our opposition to any unilateral change to the status quo, particularly by threat or use of force or coercion. It is fundamental that all navigational rights and freedoms and the safety of seafarers and vessels are guaranteed and respected.

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) spokesperson echoed these concerns, specifically addressing reports of Chinese vessels harassing commercial ships. The AIT firmly rejects any Chinese claim asserting authority to interfere with freedom of navigation, overflight, or other lawful maritime activities. The institute warned that claiming jurisdiction over waters Taiwan has administered for over 70 years would escalate tensions and undermine peaceful conflict resolution.

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The AIT rejects any claim by China that it has the authority to interfere with freedom of navigation or overflight, the freedom to lay undersea cables, or other lawful uses of the sea.

These diplomatic statements come amid reports of China Coast Guard and other official vessels operating in waters east of Taiwan and around Taiwan-controlled islands in the South China Sea. Beijing claims these operations are a response to perceived unilateral moves by Japan and the Philippines regarding maritime boundary delimitation talks east of Taiwan. The international community's unified expression of concern highlights the growing geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

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Claiming jurisdiction over waters that Taiwan has administered peacefully for more than 70 years would only increase tensions and undermine the peaceful resolution of differences that China itself claims to seek.