TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday condemned China’s recent military and coast guard activities around neighboring countries and in the Taiwan Strait, which have escalated regional tensions.

On Tuesday, Russia dispatched two Tu-95 nuclear-capable strategic bombers to conduct joint patrols with two Chinese H-6 bombers around Japan, per Reuters. China’s Ministry of National Defense claimed Wednesday that the patrol demonstrated the two sides’ “determination and capability to jointly address regional security challenges," per CNA.

China’s coast guard also announced Wednesday that its 2501 fleet had entered the waters of the Diaoyutai Islands for patrols. Japan’s Coast Guard has detected Chinese vessels in the area for 25 consecutive days.

MOFA Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) told CNA the ministry condemns the PLA’s “malicious actions.” He said the international community broadly agrees on maintaining freedom, security, and peace in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific.

Hsiao said it is regrettable that China’s unilateral military provocations and pressure tactics threaten Taiwan’s democracy and regional stability, but also bring instability to the entire Indo-Pacific. He urged Beijing to act like a responsible major power, immediately cease all unwarranted military provocations, and respect regional countries and the international order.