Mainland Chinese authorities have rejected criticism from the United States, Britain, France and Germany over coastguard deployments near Taiwan. The rebuke follows joint statements expressing concern about regional stability.
The criticism came after the four countries said the coastguard activities threaten regional stability and the freedom of navigation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun dismissed the accusations. He described the deployments as a legitimate exercise of jurisdiction.
Guo said the countries concerned should respect China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime rights and interests. He urged them to stop distorting the facts.
Beijing stated that the patrols respond to maritime border talks between Manila and Tokyo.