Europe Reacts To Comments On China's Drills Around Taiwan

European foreign policy officials on Friday took a hard line in response to China's war games around Taiwan.

This effort was prompted by the perception that French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks were feeble, which generated considerable criticism.

China in recent days has held intense military drills around Taiwan, which it claims as its own.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring the democratic country under its control.

Now, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, addressing the issue at a press conference in Beijing alongside her Chinese counterpart Qin Gang, said any attempt by China to control Taiwan would be unacceptable.

And that it would have serious repercussions for Europe.

EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell also echoed her remarks.

"The European Union's position (on Taiwan) is consistent and clear. Any attempt to change the status quo by force would be unacceptable."

Macron had cautioned against being drawn into a crisis over Taiwan driven by an "American rhythm and a Chinese overreaction," Borell said.

The timing of the publication and the bluntness annoyed many Western officials.