Taipei: The military exercises China conducted around Taiwan last week were provocative and indicative of Beijing's "unacceptable attitude" that poses a threat to "peaceful co-existence across the Taiwan Strait," according to European Parliament (EP) member Michael Gahler. Gahler made these remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential Office in Taipei.

According to Focus Taiwan, Gahler, who chairs the European Taiwan Friendship Group, emphasized the importance of the EP and democracies worldwide in maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait. He stressed that China is attempting to alter the status quo in this strategically significant waterway. Gahler remarked, "The Taiwan Strait is an international strait, and it's good that different countries demonstrate that by sending ships through this strait and making it clear that we do not accept a unilateral change of the status quo."

Gahler, who is leading a 10-member delegation on a six-day visit to Taiwan, condemned Beijing's "belligerent and aggressive posture" as demonstrated by the large-scale military drills it conducted in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan last week. He described these actions as a significant provocation that jeopardizes the peaceful coexistence across the strait.

One of the pressing issues discussed during the visit was the "unlawful and unfriendly" sabotage of undersea communications cables, a challenge faced by both Taiwan and Europe. Gahler's delegation exchanged views on this topic with Taiwanese officials earlier in the week. In response, President Lai noted that due to China's ongoing military intimidation and harassment, as well as its economic and diplomatic coercion, many Taiwanese have adopted the principle of "peace through strength."

Lai further asserted that the collaboration of democracies is essential for upholding democratic values and the rules-based international order.