TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The European Union criticized China on Monday (Oct. 14) for escalating cross-strait tensions by launching large-scale exercises around Taiwan. 

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched the “Joint Sword-2024B” military exercises around Taiwan on Monday. In response, EU External Action Service (EEAS) Spokesperson Nabila Massrali issued a statement opposing Beijing's actions.

Massrali said the PLA's military exercises “further increase cross-strait tensions.” Massrali reiterated the importance the EEAS placed on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. 

The spokesperson said the EU has a “direct interest in the preservation of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.” She stressed the EU opposes unilateral actions that disrupt the status quo by force or coercion. 

The EU urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further exacerbate tensions. It called for disputes to be resolved through dialogue.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed gratitude to the EU for issuing the statement and monitoring the situation in the Taiwan Strait. MOFA pledged that Taiwan will continue strengthening cooperation and exchanges with partners such as Europe to “jointly defend the values of freedom and democracy, uphold the rules-based international order, and demonstrate to the world Taiwan's determination to safeguard democracy.”