Top diplomats express concern over tensions in the Taiwan Strait

The highest-ranking diplomats from the US, South Korea, and Japan have expressed shared concerns about China's increasingly destabilizing activities in the Taiwan Strait.

After a meeting in New York, they emphasized their clear rejection of “illegal maritime claims” in the South China Sea and their enforcement—without explicitly naming China.

Beijing responded to the statements, calling them irresponsible. China called on the countries to stop supporting separatist efforts toward Taiwanese independence.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the exclusive economic zones of neighboring states, which has long been a source of conflict.

The Taiwanese foreign minister welcomed the concerns expressed and emphasized that he would work with the US, Japan, South Korea, and other partners to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, and Japanese Defense Minister Iwaya Takeshi also reaffirmed their commitment to ending North Korea's nuclear program.

Meanwhile, China continues its increased military activities around Taiwan, including maneuvers

(reuters, sie)