§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) on what occasions the testing of missiles by China near Taiwan's main ports has been raised in the European Union; and if he will make a statement; [20119]
(2) if Her Majesty's Government will protest at the Government of China's decision to have missile tests close to Taiwan on 11 to 15 March; and if he will make a statement. [20118]
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§ Mr. HanleyThe European Union partners issued the following statement in Rome on 8 March
The EU deeply regret the firing by the People's Republic of China of missiles, beginning in the morning of March 8th, into test zones in the Taiwan Straits. The planned week-long exercise could lead to further tension in the region and increase the possibility of any miscalculation eventually leading to confrontation.The EU, recalling the pledge always made by the PRC to stick to its fundamental policy on the Taiwan issue, which is to seek a peaceful solution, call on the PRC to refrain from activities which could have negative effects on the security of the entire region and urge early resumption of the cross-Strait talks".We continue to monitor this difficult situation very closely.