Switzerland Warns China Over Military Drills Near Taiwan, Urges Stability
Switzerland has warned China against escalating tensions following military drills near Taiwan. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis highlighted the significance of the Taiwan Strait and called for dialogue amidst rising concerns. The unusual stance reflects Switzerland’s commitment to international norms and regional stability, as articulated by Swiss officials, including Federal Assembly member Jean-Luc Addor.
Switzerland has issued a formal warning to China, urging the country to avoid further escalation following recent military drills conducted near Taiwan. This significant diplomatic stance was articulated by Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, as reported by Taiwan News. The drills, which included live-fire exercises by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), raised serious concerns regarding stability in the strategically crucial Taiwan Strait.
The live-fire exercises, announced without prior notice in February, occurred off Taiwan’s southern coastal regions and prompted widespread international alarm. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan protested these manoeuvres, which violated established international norms and posed risks to both maritime and aerial safety. Switzerland’s involvement underscores the growing apprehension regarding potential miscalculations that could exacerbate regional tensions.
Swiss Federal Assembly member Jean-Luc Addor, who leads the Switzerland-Taiwan parliamentary friendship group, criticized China for its actions, expressing concerns about the undermining of international norms in a region critical to Switzerland’s economic interests. He sought clarity from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs on Switzerland’s planned response to these events.
In a further statement on March 13, Minister Cassis reiterated Switzerland’s position, highlighting the risks of escalation in the Taiwan Strait. He called for continued dialogue and peaceful resolutions in East Asia and the South China Sea, reflecting Switzerland’s diplomatic tradition. This unusual warning from Switzerland illustrates its commitment to maintaining regional stability despite its historically neutral stance.
Switzerland’s warning to China marks a notable shift from its traditional neutrality, emphasizing the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait. The country’s response, highlighted by Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, showcases its concern over rising tensions resulting from military drills by China. Furthermore, Swiss officials have articulated the necessity for dialogue and stability, reinforcing Switzerland’s role on the international stage amid growing geopolitical challenges.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
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