European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called on European navies to patrol the disputed Taiwan Strait. The call comes two weeks after China held three days of military exercises around Taiwan — simulating targeted strikes and a blockade of the island — seen in response to a meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and the mayor, the U.S. Representative. Kevin McCarthy.
“Taiwan is of concern to us economically, commercially and technologically. That is why I call on European navies to patrol the Taiwan Strait to demonstrate Europe’s commitment to freedom of navigation in this absolutely vital area”can be read this Sunday in an opinion piece in the French weekly, Magazine Du Dimanche. Borrell repeats comments he made last week when he stressed the importance of Taiwan to Europe.
On Tuesday, Borrell opened a debate on China in the European Parliament, in response to Macron, who, after a visit to China, defended that Europe should not chase the US on this issue. “Taiwan is clearly part of Europe’s geostrategic perimeter to ensure peace. It is not only a moral issue that action against Taiwan should be rejected. It is also because, in economic terms, it would be extremely serious for us, because Taiwan is a strategic role.” in the production of the most advanced semiconductors,” says the head of European diplomacy.
China claims Taiwan as Chinese territory and has shown intent to take control of the island.
Source: DN
