China on Thursday defended its recent coast guard patrols in waters east of Taiwan, a day after Britain, France and Germany expressed concern over what they called new Chinese activities in the area.

The three European countries said the actions could threaten regional stability, freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping. In response, China said its patrols were aimed at maintaining maritime order and stability in the region.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular briefing that the patrols were carried out after Japan and the Philippines announced plans to discuss maritime boundary issues in waters that Beijing claims as its own.

According to Guo, the patrols were a necessary response to what China sees as attempts by Japan and the Philippines to interfere in maritime boundary matters and undermine China's maritime rights and interests.

In a joint statement, the unofficial embassies of Britain, France and Germany in Taiwan said China's activities posed risks to regional security and international shipping routes. Taiwan's Central News Agency also reported that the United States had raised concerns over the developments.

Earlier this month, Taiwan accused Chinese coast guard vessels of harassing commercial ships near the island by asking them to disclose their planned routes.

The waters east of Taiwan are a major shipping corridor used for transporting oil, gas and goods between the Middle East, Europe and East Asia. Taiwan governs itself independently, but China considers the island part of its territory and claims authority over the surrounding waters.

Guo maintained that the coast guard operations were lawful and represented China's legitimate exercise of jurisdiction.

Tensions between Beijing and Tokyo have risen in recent months. Relations became more strained after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested last year that Japan's military could become involved if China took military action against Taiwan.

Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in China-US relations. The United States is Taiwan's main arms supplier and has repeatedly voiced support for the island's self-defense capabilities.

This week, China sent its newest and most powerful aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait shortly after Taiwan launched a five-day military exercise aimed at preparing for a possible Chinese attack.