China defends patrols east of Taiwan after three European nations raise alarm 

China yesterday defended its recent patrols in waters east of Taiwan, one day after Britain, France and Germany expressed alarm about what they described as “novel Chinese activity.”

While the three European countries said the activity, which they did not specifically identify, endangered regional stability, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China’s law-enforcement and patrol activities were aimed at maintaining regional stability and maritime order.

China deployed coast guard ships in response to an announcement by Japan and the Philippines that they would discuss their maritime boundaries in waters that Beijing views as its own.

“These are necessary actions in response to Japan’s and the Philippines’ manipulation of maritime delimitation issues and infringement upon China’s maritime rights and interests,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a daily briefing.

A joint statement from the de facto embassies of the three European nations in Taiwan said China’s actions threatened regional stability, freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping. The U.S. also expressed concern about the activity, Taiwan’s Central News Agency said.

Guo said that the coast guard activities were “legitimate exercises of jurisdiction in accordance with the law.”