Britain, France and Germany warn China over Taiwan Strait moves

Taipei,UPDATED: Jun 24, 2026 19:16 IST

Great Britain, France and Germany on Wednesday issued a rare joint statement expressing alarm over Chinese activities east of Taiwan, saying the moves endangered regional stability. The statement came as China stepped up pressure around the self-ruled island, including by sending its newest and most powerful aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait.

The carrier passed through the waterway separating China and Taiwan just hours after Taiwan began a five-day military exercise to practise its response to a possible Chinese attack. Taiwan said the drills were aimed at improving combat readiness, especially in the event of a sudden escalation in Chinese grey-zone warfare.

The de-facto embassies of the three European countries in Taipei said the “novel Chinese activity”, which was not identified in the statement, was a matter of concern. Earlier this month, China deployed coast guard patrols and described the manoeuvres as a “maritime traffic enforcement and hydrographic survey operation”. Chinese state media said the activities were “sending a pointed warning” to Japan and the Philippines after the two countries said they would discuss their maritime boundaries in waters Beijing sees as its own.

“These actions threaten regional stability and the freedom of navigation and safety of international shipping. We reiterate our opposition to any unilateral change to the status quo, particularly by threat or use of force or coercion,” the statement said. The three offices also called for navigational rights and freedoms and respect for the safety of all seafarers.

China’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan in recent years by sending military vessels and aircraft near the island almost daily and occasionally holding live-fire drills. Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said grey-zone tactics include aggressive moves such as naval patrols and drone flights that stop short of direct combat. Earlier this month, Taiwan also said Chinese coast guard ships were harassing commercial vessels near the island by asking them to report their intended routes.

The developments underline rising tensions around Taiwan, with European countries voicing concern, China continuing military and coast guard activity near the island, and Taiwan pressing ahead with exercises to test how quickly its forces can respond.

With PTI Inputs

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