US State Department condemns China's harassment of merchant ships near Taiwan

The U.S. State Department has voiced strong concern and condemnation regarding reports of Chinese coast guard vessels harassing merchant ships in waters east of Taiwan. The department labeled Beijing's actions as "seriously undermining stability."

A spokesperson for the State Department explicitly rejected any Chinese claims asserting a right to interfere with freedom of navigation, overflight, cable laying, or other lawful uses of the sea. "We reject any Chinese claim that it has the right to interfere with freedom of navigation or overflight, freedom to lay cables, and other lawful uses of the sea," the spokesperson stated.

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We reject any Chinese claim that it has the right to interfere with freedom of navigation or overflight, freedom to lay cables, and other lawful uses of the sea.

The U.S. reiterated its position that China's conduct in the region is destabilizing. The reports of harassment follow a pattern of assertive actions by China in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, which have drawn international scrutiny and criticism.

The State Department's statement underscores the ongoing tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the U.S. commitment to upholding international maritime law and regional stability.

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China's actions seriously undermine stability.