European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper, in an interview with the Polish Press Agency, noted that events in the region are of key importance for security and prosperity at the global level.
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“Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are of strategic importance to regional and global security and prosperity,” she said. She also added that the European Union calls for restraint and avoidance of actions that could lead to an escalation of tensions.
The EU authorities also expressed opposition to any attempts to change the status quo in the region, especially if it were to be done by force or coercion.
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Maneuvers with live ammunition and Taiwan's reaction
The Chinese army announced on Monday the start of large-scale military maneuvers using live ammunition in the Taiwan Strait area. Warships, land forces and air forces participate in the exercises. According to the spokesman of the Chinese Eastern Military Theater Command, Colonel Shi Yi, the aim of the maneuvers is to check the readiness of naval and air forces to control key ports and other strategic areas.
Taiwan's response was firm. The island's authorities described Beijing's actions as “military intimidation” and called on China to immediately stop the maneuvers. Taipei also emphasized its determination to defend democracy.
China and Taiwan – a source of tensions
China has considered democratically ruled Taiwan its rebellious province for years and has not ruled out using force to take control of it. Taiwan, in turn, has consistently opposed such claims, emphasizing its right to self-determination.
The situation in the Taiwan Strait remains one of the hottest flashpoints in international relations, and the current military maneuvers, as experts point out, can only exacerbate tensions in the region.
