US ‘Deeply Concerned’ Over China Military Drills in Taiwan Strait

The U.S. State Department expressed “deep concern” on Saturday over China’s recent military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan, urging Beijing to exercise restraint.

“Using a normal, routine, and democratic transition as an excuse for military provocations risks escalation and erodes longstanding norms that for decades have maintained peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” the State Department stated.

The statement followed China’s conclusion of two days of war games around Taiwan, which included simulated attacks with bombers and ship-boarding exercises. Taiwan condemned these maneuvers as “blatant provocation.”

China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, initiated the “Joint Sword – 2024A” exercises three days after Lai Ching-te, a figure Beijing labels a “separatist,” was inaugurated as Taiwan’s president. Beijing described the exercises as “punishment” for Lai’s inauguration speech on Monday, in which he asserted that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are “not subordinate to each other.” China interpreted this as a declaration of Taiwan’s separateness.

The U.S. continues to monitor the situation closely, reiterating its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.