Western Nations Express Deep Concern Over Chinese Coast Guard Activities; Taiwan Expresses Gratitude

June 11, Kathmandu – Following serious concerns raised by the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany regarding increased Chinese Coast Guard and other military activities near Taiwan’s eastern coast, Taiwan has expressed its gratitude to these countries. The Taiwanese government emphasized that freedom of navigation in maritime routes is essential for global trade. China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory.

At the beginning of last June, China deployed its coast guard vessels to conduct a “special maritime traffic law enforcement operation” in waters near Taiwan’s eastern coast, an act strongly protested by Taipei. China justified this move as a response to Japan and the Philippines announcing formal talks to discuss their maritime boundaries. Beijing argued that the area involved in the talks lies within Chinese waters close to Taiwan.

Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of Taiwan’s National Security Council, expressed heartfelt gratitude via the social media platform X for the statements issued by the four Western nations. He highlighted that a rules-based international order, the status quo, and regional peace and stability are common concerns, underscoring the need for China to halt its maritime expansionism. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet commented on the matter.

China rejects Taiwan’s claim to sovereignty over the island, insisting that the island and surrounding waters are part of its own territory. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration, overseen by the Ocean Affairs Council, states that maritime security around Taiwan is critically important for global trade. According to the council, China’s maritime harassment and political pressure on Taiwan violate international law and impede the collective interests of the international community.