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European nations object to Chinese activities off Taiwan
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Great Britain, France, and Germany jointly expressed concern over recent Chinese activities east of Taiwan, warning these actions threaten regional stability and international maritime safety.
- China deployed coast guard patrols and conducted a "maritime traffic enforcement and hydrographic survey operation," which Beijing said was a warning to Japan and the Philippines amid maritime boundary discussions.
- China sailed its newest aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait during Taiwan's five-day military exercises designed to prepare for potential Chinese aggression.
- The European nations called for respect of navigational rights, freedom of navigation, and safety of seafarers, opposing any unilateral changes to the status quo by force or coercion.
- Taiwan continues to face increased Chinese military pressure, including frequent naval and air patrols and harassment of commercial vessels, while conducting drills to enhance combat readiness against possible grey-zone warfare tactics.
