LONDON, Dec. 30 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

An FCDO spokesperson said:

China's military exercises around Taiwan this week increase cross-strait tensions and the risk of escalation.

A peaceful Taiwan Strait is critical to global prosperity and the UK economy. We consider the Taiwan issue one to be settled peacefully by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion. We do not support any unilateral attempts to change the status quo or any activity that risks destabilising it.

We continue to call for restraint and the avoidance of any further actions that risk undermining peace and stability.

Media enquiries

Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.