China defends Taiwan east coast patrols after Europe raises alarm

Beijing,UPDATED: Jun 25, 2026 15:38 IST

China on Thursday defended its recent patrols in waters east of Taiwan, a day after Britain, France and Germany voiced alarm over what they called "novel Chinese activity" in the area. The three European countries said the activity endangered regional stability, while Beijing said its law-enforcement and patrol operations were meant to maintain regional stability and maritime order.

The latest exchange came after China deployed coast guard ships in response to an announcement by Japan and the Philippines that they would discuss their maritime boundaries in waters that Beijing regards as its own. The developments have added to tensions in a region that is a key shipping route and remains highly sensitive because of the Taiwan issue.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a daily briefing, "These are necessary actions in response to Japan's and the Philippines' manipulation of maritime delimitation issues and infringement upon China's maritime rights and interests." He also said the coast guard operations were "legitimate exercises of jurisdiction in accordance with the law".

A joint statement from the de facto embassies of Britain, France and Germany in Taiwan said China's actions threatened regional stability, freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping. The US also expressed concern about the activity, Taiwan's Central News Agency reported.

Taiwan said earlier this month that Chinese coast guard ships were harassing commercial vessels near the island by asking them to report their intended routes. The waters are a vital shipping lane for oil, gas and goods moving from the Mideast and Europe to ports in China, Japan and South Korea. Taiwan is a self-governing island, but China claims it as its territory along with rights to the surrounding waters.

Beijing's tensions with Tokyo have risen since Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last year suggested that the country's military could get involved if China were to take military action against Taiwan. The Taiwan issue is seen as a flashpoint that could trigger hostilities between China and the US, which is Taiwan's main supplier of weapons for its defence.

China also sailed its newest and most powerful aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait this week, just hours after Taiwan began a five-day military exercise to practise its response to a possible Chinese attack. Taken together, the patrols, diplomatic criticism and military moves have sharpened focus on tensions around Taiwan and the surrounding waters.

With PTI Inputs

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