Taiwan welcomes Western support in the face of China's increasing maritime maneuvers

Taiwan expressed its gratitude to the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany after these countries raised concerns about Chinese coast guard activities and other maritime operations conducted off the island's east coast. Taipei believes this international support is essential for maintaining regional stability.

In early June, China deployed its coast guard vessels to waters east of Taiwan in what it described as a "special maritime traffic control operation." This move drew a sharp reaction from Taiwanese authorities, who viewed it as another attempt at pressure from Beijing.

Chinese authorities explained that this operation was a response to the announcement of future negotiations between Japan and the Philippines regarding their maritime borders. Beijing believes these discussions also concern areas it claims as being under its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, China has also sent maritime research vessels into the same waters, reinforcing Taipei's concerns about its increasing presence in a region that is strategic for international trade and regional security.

Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan's National Security Council, publicly thanked the four Western countries for their statements of support. He stated that respect for a rules-based international order, as well as the maintenance of peace and stability in the region, are objectives shared by the international community.

Taiwan continues to reject China's territorial claims, which China considers an integral part of its territory. Taiwanese authorities emphasize the importance of freedom of navigation in the region's maritime routes, stressing that it is a fundamental element of global trade and international economic security.