The US expresses concern over China’s military drills near Taiwan, urging restraint. China’s war games simulated attacks, prompting Taiwan to condemn as provocation. China claims Taiwan as its territory.
The U.S. State Department expressed deep concern over China’s military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan. Urging China to show restraint, the department warned that using a democratic transition as an excuse for military provocations could lead to escalation. China recently concluded a two-day war game in which it simulated attacks with bombers and practiced boarding ships, actions that Taiwan denounced as blatant provocation.
China considers Taiwan its territory and launched the “Joint Sword – 2024A” exercises shortly after Lai Ching-te was inaugurated as Taiwan’s president. Beijing labeled Lai as a “separatist” and stated that the exercises were a response to his inauguration speech, where Lai emphasized that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait were not subordinate to one another, suggesting they are separate entities.
The State Department highlighted the risk of eroding long-standing norms that have upheld peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. strongly urged China to avoid military actions that could lead to further escalations in the region, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace through diplomatic channels.
Source : US ‘deeply concerned’ over China military drills in Taiwan Strait
