TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US-EU Dialogue on China and Indo-Pacific consultations on Sept. 9-10 issued statements urging Beijing to show restraint in the Taiwan Strait and supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, the second-highest ranking US diplomat, flew to Brussels for high-level consultations with the European Union. The officials particularly voiced concerns about China’s support for Russia’s military in its war against Ukraine, according to the joint statement. 

Campbell and European External Action Service Secretary-General Stefano Sannino reiterated concern about China’s exports of “dual-use goods and items used by Russia on the battlefield against Ukraine. They said Chinese companies were evading sanctions, “enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war.” 

The statement also focused on Taiwan, as officials underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They “urged China to act with restraint” around Taiwan and “expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.” 

In a departure from previous joint statements, since the high-level discussions began in 2021, the officials chose not to include an acknowledgment of the "One China" policy. 

The statement also called out Chinese human rights abuses, including in Tibet and Xinjiang. The officials also drew attention to Beijing’s crackdown on Hong Kong’s autonomy and civil society, including through the March enactment of legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law. 

On tensions in the East and South China Seas, they “welcomed diplomatic efforts between the PRC and the Philippines” and opposed “actions by China that infringe upon freedom of navigation.”