Taipei, March 17 -- Prominent European leaders have called on democratic nations to close ranks in defence of the global rules-based order, warning that the growing assertiveness of the People's Republic of China (PRC) threatens stability in Asia and beyond.

Speaking during an event linked to the Yushan Forum, former chairman of the Munich Security Conference, Christoph Heusgen, stressed the need for countries sharing democratic values to stand united against violations of international norms. Addressing attendees at a dinner during the forum, Heusgen described China as a major challenge to the global system of rules that governs international relations, as reported by The Taipei Times.

According to The Taipei Times, he criticised China...