According to Josep Borrell, European warships patrol the Taiwan Strait

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell calls for European warships to patrol the Taiwan Strait. In a guest article in the French Sunday newspaper “Journal du Dimanche”, Borrell wrote that Europe needs to be very present on the subject of Taiwan, “which affects us economically, commercially and technologically”.

“I therefore urge European navies to patrol the Taiwan Strait to demonstrate Europe’s commitment to freedom of navigation in this absolutely vital area,” Borrell wrote.

Two weeks ago, Beijing held three-day military maneuvers around Taiwan, practicing a blockade of the island, in response to a meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Beijing regards Taiwan as a breakaway region that it wants to reunite with the mainland – by military force if necessary. China considers the entire Taiwan Strait as its sovereign waters.

In a debate on China policy in the European Parliament on Tuesday, Borrell said: “Taiwan is clearly part of our geostrategic perimeter to ensure peace and defend our interests.” China’s action against Taiwan should be rejected not only for “moral” reasons, but also because of serious economic consequences, the EU chief diplomat said in reference to Taiwan’s production of modern semiconductors. (sda/afp)