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China defends patrols east of Taiwan after 3 European nations raise alarm
European envoys said the patrols threatened regional stability, freedom of navigation and international shipping as China defended them as lawful.
On Tuesday, China sailed its newest aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait, hours after Taiwan began a five-day military exercise to practice its response to a potential Chinese attack.
Beijing deployed coast guard ships in response to Japan and the Philippines announcing they would discuss maritime boundaries in waters China claims as its own.
Britain, France, and Germany expressed alarm over what they described as "novel Chinese activity," arguing these patrols threaten regional stability and the safety of international shipping.
Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated 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."
The Taiwan Strait remains a potential flashpoint for hostilities between China and the US, serving as a vital shipping lane for oil and goods from the Mideast and Europe.