China conducted large-scale military exercises around Taiwan yesterday, and the timing coincides with former President Tsai Ing-wen’s arrival in Paris today, raising sensitivities. In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion.
The military drills, dubbed “Joint Sword-2024B,” involved ground, naval, air, and rocket forces encircling Taiwan, prompting international concern. French media extensively covered the exercises, characterizing China’s actions as provocative and a threat to Taiwan, aiming to undermine peace in the Taiwan Strait.
As former President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in France, the French Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded to questions regarding China’s military maneuvers, stating, “We are closely monitoring the military exercises conducted by the People’s Republic of China around Taiwan.”
The ministry reaffirmed its wish for “peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” noting that such stability is “essential for global security and prosperity.”
The spokesperson stressed that France opposes any unilateral changes to the current situation, whether through force or intimidation, and highlighted the importance of preventing an escalation in the Taiwan Strait.
Upon arriving from the Czech Republic, former President Tsai is expected to meet with the French Senate’s Taiwan friendship group. Observers predict that this visit may evoke further anger from China.
In light of potential discontent from China, Aurore Bergé, former French Minister for Gender Equality and current member of the National Assembly, emphasized at a National Day reception on the 9th that French legislators exercise their duties freely. She stated, “At times there may be pressure, but we will not compromise,” adding, “No country can dictate what we should do.”
Alain Richard, former Minister of Defense and chairman of the Senate’s Taiwan friendship group, noted in an interview that China’s aggressive stance has tempered in recent years due to its own actions making bilateral relations challenging.
This suggests that if the Chinese Embassy in France reacts sharply to Tsai’s visit, such a response may be counterproductive to the development of Franco-Chinese relations.
Additionally, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed serious concern yesterday over the People’s Liberation Army’s joint military exercises around Taiwan and in the Taiwan Strait. He criticized China’s military provocations as unfavorable responses to Taiwan’s routine annual addresses, warning that such actions could escalate tensions.
The British Foreign Office also stated that it does not support any unilateral changes to the status quo and called for restraint to avoid further possibly destabilizing actions.
