EU concerned over Chinese drills near Taiwan, calls for restraint
BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) expressed concern on Monday (April 10) over China’s military exercises around Taiwan, saying that any escalation, accident or use of force in Taiwan would have far-reaching global consequences. Therefore, he said that the status of the island should not be changed by force.
The Chinese military conducted air and sea blockade exercises around Taiwan on Monday, the final day of the exercise, and a Chinese aircraft carrier joined the combat patrol as Taipei reported another fighter surge near the island.
“We are concerned about the intensification of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) military activities in and around Taiwan,” said Nabila Masrali, European Commission foreign affairs spokesperson.
“The status quo cannot be changed unilaterally or forcibly. Any instability in the strait, whether caused by enlargement, accident or use of force, will have enormous economic and security implications for the region and the world,” she said.
“Exercising restraint is key. Tensions must be resolved through meaningful and open dialogue. The EU and its member states will continue to support efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region,” she said.
