TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The American Institute in Taiwan said Wednesday that China’s recent maritime enforcement operation in waters east of Taiwan risks raising tensions and undermining regional stability.
The statement came after China launched what it described as a special maritime traffic enforcement operation involving multiple maritime agencies in waters east of Taiwan, per CNA. Beijing said the move was a response to Japan and the Philippines announcing plans to begin negotiations over their exclusive economic zones in the area, per Reuters.
An AIT spokesperson said the US was concerned by reports that Chinese coast guard and maritime patrol vessels had interfered with Taiwanese commercial ships while asserting Chinese jurisdiction over the waters, per Liberty Times.
The spokesperson said the US rejects any Chinese claims that restrict freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, the laying of submarine cables, or other lawful uses of the sea. China’s actions are destabilizing and could increase regional tensions, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the US urges Beijing to stop its military and economic pressure on Taiwan and engage in meaningful dialogue with Taipei’s democratically elected government.
