00:00Britain, France and Germany expressed concern over recent Chinese activities off Taiwan's east coast,
00:06warning that the actions could undermine regional stability.
00:10The three governments say the developments threatened freedom of navigation
00:14and could affect the safety of international shipping in the region.
00:19Earlier this month, China deployed Coast Guard vessels into waters off Taiwan's east coast
00:25as part of it described as a special maritime law enforcement operation.
00:30Beijing said the operation was launched in response to plans by Japan and the Philippines
00:35to begin formal talks on maritime boundaries.
00:37In a rare joint statement, the British, French and German representative officers in Taipei said
00:43navigational rights and maritime freedoms must be respected at all times.
00:48The statement also said the safety of vessels and seafarers must be protected
00:53to ensure stability and security across regional waters.
00:56Although Britain, France and Germany do not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan,
01:02they have repeatedly expressed concern over increasing Chinese pressure on the island.
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