In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, asserted China's sovereignty over Taiwan and the South China Sea, while the Biden administration has urged Beijing to "act with restraint" after military drills near Taiwan.
The Biden administration has warned China to "act with restraint" after the Chinese military conducted provocative military drills near Taiwan on Friday. Dozens of Chinese navy vessels and warplanes were spotted off the coast of Taiwan, with Taiwanese officials reporting that 35 of the planes flew across the median line in the Taiwan Strait, considered the de-facto boundary between the two countries.
In a statement, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed deep concern over the Chinese military drills, urging Beijing to act with restraint. Miller emphasized that using a democratic transition as an excuse for military provocations risks escalation and erodes longstanding norms that maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin condemned the US's previous calls for restraint in response to past military drills, stating that the US is in no position to make irresponsible remarks. Wang asserted China's sovereignty over Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Taiwanese military officials closely monitored the Chinese drills, with former navy captain Lu Li Shih suggesting that China is preparing for war based on the number of military ships and recruitment efforts.
Tensions in the region continue to escalate, with China's military activities raising concerns about potential conflict. The Biden administration has warned Beijing against unilateral actions that could destabilize the region.
The US and China are competing for influence in the Indo-Pacific region, and the Taiwan issue remains a potential flashpoint. The Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to Taiwan's security, while China views Taiwan as a breakaway province.
The international community is monitoring developments in the region with concern, calling for restraint and urging both sides to engage in dialogue. The United Nations and other international organizations have expressed the need for de-escalation and peaceful resolution of differences.
The ongoing tensions have also raised economic concerns, with the potential for disruption to trade and investment in the region. The US and China are major trading partners, and any escalation of conflict could have significant economic consequences.
To prevent further escalation, all parties involved should engage in diplomatic dialogue and seek peaceful solutions. China and Taiwan should explore mechanisms for reducing tensions, while the US and China should work together to manage their differences responsibly.
