UK, German, French offices oppose China's harassment east of Taiwan

Taipei, June 24 (CNA) The United Kingdom, Germany, and France's de facto embassies in Taiwan on Wednesday jointly expressed concern over China's recent "special maritime law enforcement operations" in waters east of Taiwan, saying such behavior threatens regional stability.

In a joint statement issued by the British Office Taipei, the German Institute Taipei, and the French Office in Taipei, the three offices, which represent their respective countries' interests in Taiwan in the absence of official diplomatic ties, said they had "noted with concern novel Chinese activity in the waters east of Taiwan."

"These actions threaten regional stability and the freedom of navigation and safety of international shipping," the statement said.

"We reiterate our opposition to any unilateral change to the status quo, particularly by threat or use of force or coercion. It is fundamental that all navigational rights and freedoms and the safety of seafarers and vessels are guaranteed and respected," the statement said.

The statement did not explain what it meant by "novel Chinese activity in the waters east of Taiwan."

It was likely referring to several rounds of "special maritime law enforcement operations" launched by the Chinese government since late last month.

According to Beijing, the operations were launched in response to what it described as unilateral moves by Japan and the Philippines to begin talks on maritime boundary delimitation east of Taiwan.

China, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory, said those moves seriously infringe upon its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

According to Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration, over the past weeks, Chinese coast guard and other official vessels have been operating in waters east of Taiwan and around Taiwan-controlled islands in the South China Sea, and even intercepting passing merchant ships.