UK, France, Germany say Chinese activity near Taiwan threatens region

British Office Taipei, the French Office in Taipei and the German Institute Taipei issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning recent Chinese naval maneuvers near the island. The three missions expressed "concern" over what they described as "novel Chinese activity" in waters east of Taiwan, warning that such actions "threaten" regional stability and freedom of navigation.

The missions said they opposed any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, particularly through "the threat or use of force or coercion," according to the statement. They stressed that navigational rights, maritime freedoms and the safety of international shipping must be respected, citing the importance of open sea lanes for international commerce.

Carrier transit monitored

The statement came a day after China's newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, transited the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported that the carrier passed through the strategic waterway on Tuesday and was being closely monitored using intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

According to Taiwan's Central News Agency, the Fujian is China's first domestically designed aircraft carrier. The vessel was commissioned in November and last sailed through the strait in December, the ministry noted.