China Defends Taiwan-Area Patrols After Europe Raises Security Concerns

China on Thursday defended its recent coast guard patrols in waters east of Taiwan, a day after Britain, France and Germany expressed concern over what they described as “novel Chinese activity” that could threaten regional stability.

A joint statement from the three European nations' representative offices in Taipei said China's actions endangered freedom of navigation, international shipping safety and regional security . The United States has also reportedly raised concerns over the developments.

Responding to the criticism, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the patrols were lawful measures aimed at maintaining maritime order and protecting China's interests. He said the operations were conducted in response to plans by Japan and the Philippines to discuss maritime boundaries in waters claimed by Beijing.

“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,” Guo said, describing the patrols as legitimate exercises of jurisdiction.

Taiwan, however, has accused Chinese coast guard vessels of harassing commercial ships by asking them to disclose their intended routes. The waters east of Taiwan are a critical shipping corridor linking East Asia with markets in the Middle East and Europe.

The diplomatic exchange comes amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Earlier this week, China sailed its newest and most powerful aircraft carrier through the strait shortly after Taiwan launched a five-day military exercise designed to prepare for a potential Chinese attack.

China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the self-governed island under its control. Analysts say the growing involvement of European nations underscores the increasing internationalisation of Indo-Pacific security , with implications for regional stability, strategic alliances and global maritime trade.