The EU calls for “moderation” in the face of increased tension after new Chinese maneuvers near Taiwan

May 23. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The European Union has warned this Thursday that China’s latest military maneuvers around Taiwan “increase tensions” and has called for “moderation” before putting into practice any unilateral measure through force.

“Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are of strategic importance for regional and global security and prosperity,” EU Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nabila Massrali said in a statement.

“The EU has a direct interest in maintaining the ‘status quo’ in the Taiwan Strait,” therefore, he explained, it opposes any unilateral measure that could modify this situation through “force or coercion.”

“All parties must exercise restraint and avoid any action that could further escalate cross-Strait tensions,” Massrali said, urging any conflict to be resolved through dialogue.

This Thursday, the Chinese Army began a series of military maneuvers around Taiwan, in response to statements by the newly elected Taiwanese president, William Lei, who urged Beijing to “face the existence” of the island as a completely independent entity.