US Expresses Strong Concern over China’s Military Exercises in Taiwan Strait
China recently concluded a two-day series of war games near Taiwan, engaging in simulated attacks with bombers and practicing ship boarding.
On Saturday, the U.S. State Department denounced China’s military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan as provocative, expressing deep concern and strongly urging Beijing to exercise restraint.
The State Department mentioned that using a routine democratic transition as justification for military provocations could lead to escalation and undermine longstanding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Read the full statement here.
The State Department confirmed close monitoring of China’s activities and coordination with allies and partners on shared concerns.
This statement followed China’s war games near Taiwan, where they carried out simulated attacks and ship boarding exercises.
Taiwan, regarded by China as a breakaway province requiring reunification with the mainland, condemned the military drills as overt provocation.
The drills, named “Joint Sword-2024A,” began three days after Lai Ching-te assumed the presidency of Taiwan, a move criticized by Beijing as separatist.
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Chinese officials justified the exercises as a response to President Lai’s speech during his inauguration, which conveyed that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait aren’t subordinate to each other – a stance interpreted by China as endorsing their separation as individual countries.
Despite formally severing diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 in favor of Beijing under the “One China” policy, the U.S. has maintained robust unofficial ties with Taipei and pledged to support its defense.
The U.S. remains committed to its one China policy and ensures compliance with the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances, as stated in the Saturday announcement by the State Department.
The Six Assurances, developed during President Reagan’s administration, include commitments such as indefinite arms sales to Taiwan and avoiding pressure for negotiations with China.
For years, the U.S. has advocated for a peaceful resolution of the China-Taiwan conflict.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) military exercises in a statement on May 23, asserting readiness to defend the nation if required.
“We seek no conflicts, but we will not shy away from one to ensure our nation’s safety and protect our beautiful homeland,” the Ministry declared.
The drills were part of the CCP’s intimidation tactics towards Taiwan according to Tang Jingyuan, a China affairs specialist, aiming to sow internal discord in Taiwan and boost pro-communist sentiments on the island.
He explained that the CCP wants to influence Taiwan’s domestic and foreign policies by pressuring Lai Ching-te through military exercises and uniting domestic support by showcasing military prowess.
Tang highlighted the CCP’s goal of exacerbating internal divisions in Taiwan by stimulating pro-Communist sentiments, creating unrest, and intensifying pressure on the island.
During a CCP congress in October 2022, Xi Jinping expressed a desire for China’s reunification and readiness to use force if needed.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has observed an acceleration in China’s approach towards Taiwanese reunification.
“There has been a change in the approach from Beijing toward Taiwan in recent years,” Mr. Blinken said during an event in October 2022, addressing China’s shift towards a faster reunification timeline through coercive and even forceful means.
Tensions escalated between the U.S. and China following a visit by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August 2022, prompting China to conduct military exercises, including missile launches near the island.
Mary Hong contributed to this report.
