China’s Harassment of Foreign Vessels Near Taiwanese Waters Draws European Criticism

The U.S, France, Germany and the U.K called out China for its illegal activities, including harassment of foreign ships off the east coast of Taiwan.

The European nations have no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but they have voiced concern about the Chinese assertion of authority in the waters of Taiwan.

According to reports, Chinese Coast Guard ships inspected atleast 198 ships passing through the region and ‘rectified violations’ involving 3 ships.

They even carried out surveys and patrolled areas where undersea cables are located.

Chinese vessels asked commercial ships about their point of origin, the cargo they were carrying and even their destination, which Western countries called an infringement of the right to navigation.

Taiwan said that the waters off its east coast do not come under China’s jurisdiction and it has no right or authority to survey or enter those regions without permission from the Island nation.

However, Beijing does not recognise the Taiwanese government as legal and claims that the island is a part of China.

China had even sent coast guard ships near Taiwan earlier this month for what it called a ‘special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation.’

Zhang Han, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, spoke to reporters, saying that the waters that Japan and the Philippines seek to delineate are part of China’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

She also added that the Chinese patrols were legitimate and necessary to “safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”

“China’s actions are deeply destabilising,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson said when questioned about the recent incidents off Taiwan.

The British, French and German embassies in Taipei said in a joint statement that the Chinese activity was concerning and threatened regional peace, stability and safety of shipping.

“It is fundamental that all navigational rights and freedoms and the safety of seafarers and vessels are guaranteed and respected,” the joint statement read.