Taiwan Thanks US, UK, France, Germany Over Chinese Patrols

Taiwan has expressed gratitude to the United States, Britain, France, and Germany after the nations raised concerns over recent Chinese coast guard activities off Taiwan's eastern coast. The coordinated diplomatic statements, issued on Wednesday, June 24, warn that China's actions threaten regional stability and the freedom of navigation essential to global trade.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, deployed coast guard vessels earlier this month for what it described as a special maritime traffic law enforcement operation. Beijing stated the patrols were a direct response to an announcement by Japan and the Philippines that they would begin formal talks on their maritime boundaries, which China views as involving its waters off Taiwan. China has also sent maritime survey ships into the area.

In a joint statement, the de facto British, French, and German embassies in Taipei said they had noted with concern the novel Chinese activity. They stated these actions threaten regional stability and the safety of international shipping, reiterating opposition to any unilateral change to the status quo by threat or use of force. Separately, a U.S. State Department...