Britain, France and Germany Issue Joint Statement on Chinese Coast Guard Activity East of Taiwan

Britain, France and Germany on Wednesday issued a joint statement expressing concern over recent Chinese coast-guard activity east of Taiwan. The statement said the actions threaten regional stability and the freedom of navigation and safety of international shipping. It reiterated opposition to any unilateral change to the status quo, particularly by threat or use of force or coercion.

The statement affirmed that all navigational rights and freedoms and the safety of seafarers and vessels must be guaranteed and respected. Earlier in June, China sent coast-guard ships into waters off Taiwan’s east coast for a special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation.

China stated the operation was in response to Japan and the Philippines beginning formal talks on their maritime boundaries.

China has also been sending maritime survey ships into the waters east of Taiwan. Britain, France and Germany have no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. China views Taiwan as its own territory. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.