MANILA — China pushed back against criticism from the United States, Britain, France and Germany over the activities of Chinese vessels near Taiwan, while Taiwanese officials welcomed the statements of support from the four countries.

The exchange followed concerns raised by the four nations regarding the operations of the Chinese Coast Guard and other maritime activities in waters east of Taiwan.

Earlier this month, China deployed Coast Guard vessels to waters off Taiwan’s eastern coast as part of what it described as a “special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation.” Beijing said the move was a response to plans by Japan and the Philippines to begin formal talks on maritime boundaries, which China claimed involved waters off Taiwan.

Chinese maritime survey ships have also been operating in the area. On Tuesday, Taiwan reported that China’s aircraft carrier Fujian had transited the Taiwan Strait.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended the operations, saying they were lawful and aimed at maintaining stability.

“Relevant countries should respect China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime rights and interests, and cease distorting the facts and confounding right and wrong,” Guo said.

China’s Ministry of National Defense separately said the Fujian was conducting routine training activities.

Beijing maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and does not recognize any separate claims of sovereignty by the island.

Taiwan, meanwhile, welcomed the statements from the United States, Britain, France and Germany.

Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council, said he was grateful for the support expressed by the four countries.

“A rules-based int’l order, the Status Quo, & regional peace & stability are what we all care about. The PRC should stop its maritime expansionism,” Wu wrote on social media platform X.

Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council said freedom of navigation and maritime safety in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters are vital to global commerce.

“China’s maritime harassment of Taiwan, and the political pressure that follows, not only violate international law but also harm the shared interests of the international community. They must be promptly contained and collectively rejected,” the council said in a statement.

The council added that Taiwan would continue working with its international partners to uphold the international order through lawful and appropriate measures.

Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling also criticized Beijing’s actions, saying China had increasingly been viewed as a source of instability in the region.

“The more China harasses Taiwan, the more the international community supports Taiwan!” she said.

Taiwan maintains that China has no sovereignty or jurisdiction over the island or the waters surrounding it, a position Beijing rejects.