Germany, France and the United Kingdom on Wednesday jointly expressed concern over recent Chinese activities off Taiwan's east coast.
"These actions threaten regional stability and the freedom of navigation and safety of international shipping," the three countries’ representative offices in Taiwan said in a joint statement. They also reiterate their opposition to any unilateral change to the status quo, particularly by threat or use of force or coercion.
Earlier this month, China's coastguard conducted patrols off Taiwan's east coast, which Beijing said were intended to enforce regulations in the area.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration said it had monitored the operations and reported that Chinese authorities had contacted passing commercial vessels.
Observers believe the move was an attempt by Beijing to assert jurisdiction over those waters.
The Communist Party in Beijing considers Taiwan part of China’s territory. For years, China has increased pressure on the self-governed island through military exercises. Taiwan is separated from mainland China by only a narrow body of water along its western coast - the Taiwan Strait.
Just on Tuesday, China sailed its newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, through the Taiwan Strait, according to Taiwan’s Defence Ministry.
The transit occurred while Taiwan was conducting a five-day military exercise aimed at improving and accelerating its readiness for a potential conflict.
Beijing has repeatedly made clear its intention to bring Taiwan under its control, using military force if necessary.
