Four Representative Offices in Taiwan Express Concerns Over Chinese Maritime Activities; Beijing Dismisses Criticism

BEIJING, June 25 (CNA) — Amid China’s recent law enforcement activities in waters east of Taiwan, representative offices from the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany issued statements on the 24th expressing concern over regional stability. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang responded, stating, “The standard for judging right and wrong is not determined by who has the loudest voice.”

Recent maritime enforcement by Beijing follows Japan and the Philippines' announcement of upcoming negotiations on Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). In a joint statement, the U.K., France, and Germany warned that these actions threaten regional stability, freedom of navigation, and international maritime security, opposing any unilateral changes to the status quo. The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) concurrently noted that China’s attempts to manage waters that have remained peaceful for over 70 years only exacerbate tensions.

During a regular press conference on the 25th, Zhang Xiaogang reiterated China's position, asserting that the EEZ negotiations between Japan and the Philippines violated international law. He dismissed external pressure, adding that the provocations stemmed from Japan and the Philippines. Regarding Taiwan’s National Security Bureau establishing a contact channel for Chinese citizens, Zhang cited the Taiwan Affairs Office’s earlier rejection, labeling it an act of intelligence infiltration, and warned of legal consequences for those providing information to Taiwanese authorities.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council responded that the CCP’s increasing authoritarianism has restricted information flow. It defended the contact channel as a standard international practice, noting that intelligence collection is a global reality and urging Beijing not to intimidate its own citizens.