MOFA thanks United States for expressing concern over China’s actions in Taiwan’s eastern waters

MOFA thanks United States for expressing concern over China's actions in Taiwan's eastern waters

• Date：2026-06-24
• Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

June 24, 2026
No. 288

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes and commends recent statements made by the United States based on its staunch support for Taiwan's security, cross-strait peace and stability, and the international maritime order.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) notes that the Taipei Main Office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT/T) expressed concern over the fact that China dispatched coast guard vessels to Taiwan's eastern waters and harassed commercial ships. AIT/T clearly stated that China's claims to jurisdiction over waters that have been peaceably administered by Taiwan for over 70 years seriously undermined regional stability and contravened China's own statements that it would seek a peaceful resolution of disputes.

The AIT/T spokesperson further stated that the United States rejected any claim by China that it had the authority to interfere with freedom of navigation and overflight, the freedom to lay undersea cables, and other lawful uses of the sea. It urged China to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan and to instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan's democratically elected government.

MOFA points out that China's government vessels have continued to make illegal intrusions in the waters east of Taiwan and in the waters near Taiping Island throughout the month of June. These vessels have improperly interfered with the free navigation of commercial ships. Such behavior, which undermines peace, stability, and the international order, has aroused serious concern among the international community.

MOFA reiterates that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People's Republic of China is subordinate to the other. Taiwan enjoys all rights and jurisdiction over its appertaining waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea. China has no right to take illegal actions within Taiwan's exclusive economic zone against any vessels exercising their right of freedom of navigation.

MOFA calls on China to stop escalating its threats against Taiwan and the region, as well as to cease its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo and undermine the international maritime order. MOFA will continue to collaborate with like-minded nations such as the United States to jointly safeguard lawful uses of the sea, including the freedom of navigation and overflight, and defend regional peace, stability and prosperity. (E)