European Voices Alarm Over China’s Moves Near Taiwan

Britain, France and Germany have all stepped up their warnings after China sent coast guard vessels to patrol the waters east of Taiwan. The ships were launched for what Beijing called a “special maritime traffic law‑enforcement operation, ” a move that Taipei found very provocative. China’s claim is that the patrols respond to Japan and the Philippines, who are discussing their maritime boundaries. Beijing argues that those talks involve waters it considers part of its own territory around Taiwan. In a joint statement, the three countries’ embassies in Taipei said they were “concerned” by the new Chinese activity.They warned that such actions could endanger regional stability and disrupt freedom of navigation for international shipping. The statement also rejected any unilateral changes to the status quo, especially if done by force or coercion. All three nations stressed that every ship should be able to sail safely and that seafarers’ rights must be protected. China’s foreign ministry did not reply to a request for comment at the time of reporting. Britain, France and Germany do not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but they routinely express worry about Chinese pressure on the island. Taiwan’s government maintains it is a sovereign democracy and rejects Beijing’s claims of ownership.