China expressed anger after the United States, Britain, France and Germany raised concerns over recent Chinese Coast Guard operations and maritime activities off Taiwan’s east coast.

Earlier this month, China deployed Coast Guard vessels into waters east of Taiwan as part of what it described as a “special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation”, drawing strong objections from Taipei.

Beijing said the move was linked to plans by Japan and the Philippines to begin formal talks on maritime boundaries in waters China claims are connected to Taiwan.

China has also dispatched maritime survey vessels into the area and recently sent its aircraft carrier Fujian through the Taiwan Strait.

Beijing Rejects Western Criticism

Speaking in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended China’s actions, describing the patrols as a legitimate exercise of jurisdiction.

He said the operations were intended to maintain regional stability and maritime order, while urging foreign governments to respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China’s Defence Ministry separately described the Fujian’s transit through the Taiwan Strait as part of routine military training.

Beijing maintains that Taiwan and the surrounding waters are part of its territory and rejects any claims of sovereignty by Taipei.

Taiwan Welcomes International Support

Taiwan reacted positively to statements from the four Western countries.

National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu said he was “truly thankful” for their support, arguing that preserving the rules-based international order, regional stability and the status quo was in the interest of all parties.

Wu also called on China to halt what he described as maritime expansionism.

Taipei Warns of Maritime Pressure

Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council said freedom of navigation and maritime safety around Taiwan were vital for global trade and international shipping.

The council accused China of using maritime pressure and political coercion against Taiwan, saying such actions violate international law and undermine broader international interests.

It added that Taiwan would continue working with international partners to defend the maritime order through lawful and measured actions.

‘More Pressure, More Support’

Kuan Bi-ling, Taiwan’s minister overseeing the Ocean Affairs Council, argued that Beijing’s actions were backfiring diplomatically.

Writing on social media, she said China had effectively been identified as a source of regional instability and claimed that increased pressure on Taiwan was leading to greater international support for the island.

The latest exchange highlights growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, where China has stepped up both military and maritime activities amid rising international scrutiny.

(with inputs from Reuters)