Taiwan expressed its thanks after the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany raised the alarm about the Chinese Coast Guard and other activities off the island’s east coast, with the government saying freedom of navigation was essential to global trade.
Background
China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, sent Coast Guard ships earlier in June into the waters off the island’s east coast for what it called a “special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation,” angering Taipei.
Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council, wrote that he was “truly thankful” for the statements from the four countries, adding that a rules-based international order, the status quo, and regional peace and stability are what they all care about.
Taiwan will continue to stand together with its friends and “responsibly and jointly defend the international order in surrounding waters through lawful, appropriate, and firm measures”, the council said.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
