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China on Thursday defended its recent coastguard patrols east of Taiwan, rejecting criticism from the United States, Britain, France, and Germany who said the activities threaten regional stability. The patrols are part of a broader effort to assert Beijing's maritime claims in response to Japan-Philippines boundary talks. Source: AP News
Earlier this month, Beijing sent a flotilla of coastguard vessels for a "special maritime traffic law enforcement operation" east of Taiwan. Source: SCMP The operation included inspecting 198 vessels and conducting hydrographic surveys. Source: Japan Today/Reuters Taiwan has reported that Chinese coast guard ships harassed commercial vessels by asking them to report their intended routes. Source: AP News
On Wednesday, the US State Department described the actions as "deeply destabilizing," while Britain, France, and Germany issued a rare joint statement expressing alarm. Source: Japan Today The European nations said the "novel Chinese activity" threatened regional stability and freedom of navigation, and they reiterated opposition to any unilateral change to the status quo. Source: AP News
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the patrols were lawful and necessary to safeguard maritime rights and respond to Japan and the Philippines' discussions on maritime boundaries, which Beijing views as involving its exclusive economic zone. Source: AP News, SCMP He called on the concerned countries to respect China's sovereignty and stop distorting facts.
“Beijing on Thursday rejected criticism from the United States and three European nations over its recent coastguard operations east of Taiwan , declaring the patrols were lawful and necessary to safeguard its maritime rights and regional order.”
“A joint statement from the de facto embassies of the three European nations in Taiwan said China’s actions threatened regional stability, freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping.”
“We reject any assertion by China of authority to interfere with freedoms of navigation or overflight, the freedom to lay cables, or other lawful uses of the sea”
Tensions have further escalated, with China sailing its newest aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait just hours after Taiwan began a five-day military exercise. Source: AP News China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to annex the island.
“These actions threaten regional stability and the freedom of navigation and safety of international shipping. We reiterate our opposition to any unilateral change to the status quo, particularly by threat or use of force or coercion.”
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