TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait at the US-UK Strategic Dialogue in London on Saturday (Sept. 14).

They reiterated that regional peace is “indispensable to the security and prosperity of the international community” and urged a peaceful resolution to cross-strait issues, according to a joint statement.

The two sides also recognized the value of close coordination to advance shared goals and interests in the Indo-Pacific. With regards to China, the officials confirmed the “shared commitment to upholding international law and the rules-based international system.” They also expressed concern over China’s dangerous actions towards the Philippines in the South China Sea.  

Both officials stressed the need to follow the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.  

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomed the statement and thanked the US and UK for their attention to regional peace. “As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work closely with all like-minded democratic partners to jointly defend the rules-based, international order, promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, MOFA said.

The joint statement comes amid the German Navy’s historic passage through the Taiwan Strait on Saturday. The frigate Baden-Wurttemberg and supply ship Frankfurt am Main were en route from South Korea to Indonesia for military drills. This was the first time in 22 years that German military ships passed through the strait.

German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius said the passage was in full compliance with international laws, and that Germany has the right to transit international waters. 

China blasted the move: "The German side's behavior increases security risks and sends the wrong signal. Troops in the theatre are on high alert at all times and will resolutely counter all threats and provocations."