TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on Friday praised the European Union and other like-minded partners for continuing to voice support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The third Japan-EU Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue was held Thursday in France. During the meeting, EU Vice President Kaja Kallas and Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, according to CNA.
Both sides opposed unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea or South China Sea through force or coercion. They also warned against actions that could escalate tensions or undermine regional stability and international norms.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country will continue working with democratic partners to safeguard peace and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. Australia and Germany also issued a joint statement after a defense ministers’ meeting on Thursday, echoing support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, according to RTI.
Taiwan maintains that the Taiwan Strait constitutes international waters and airspace. Foreign vessels enjoy the right of passage and freedom of navigation, and foreign aircraft may conduct overflights, according to the Mainland Affairs Council
China’s legal claims over the Taiwan Strait are closely tied to its position on Taiwan’s sovereignty. Its statements focus on claims related to territorial seas as well as sovereign rights over exclusive economic zones and the continental shelf.
