[EXCERPT] - Which brings me to Taiwan. Britain’s longstanding position is that we want to see a peaceful settlement of the differences across the Strait. Because about half of the world’s container ships pass through these vital waters every year, laden with goods bound for Europe and the far corners of the world. Taiwan is a thriving democracy and a crucial link in global supply chains. A war across the Strait would not only be a human tragedy... it’s essential that no party takes unilateral action to change the status quo.