Raymond Greene, the new director of the American Institute in Taiwan, has pledged US support for the island's defense as China intensifies its military threats. Taiwan detected 66 Chinese warplanes and seven warships near its waters, marking an apparent show of force.
As China ramps up its military pressure against Taiwan, the United States has reaffirmed its support for the self-ruled island's security. Raymond Greene, the new director of the American Institute in Taiwan, declared on Wednesday that Washington will "strongly support Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities."
China's Shadow Over Taiwan: US Diplomat Vows Support as Beijing Flexes Military Might
Greene's statement came amid a significant show of force from China's People Liberation Army on the same day he took office. Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported detecting 66 Chinese warplanes, including J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers, flying around the island and heading towards the Western Pacific for drills with the Chinese Shandong aircraft carrier.
Taiwan also tracked seven warships in its surrounding waters, bringing the total number of Chinese military assets detected to 73 over a 24-hour period. The increased military activity comes as China continues to claim Taiwan as its own territory and has threatened to reclaim it by force if necessary.
China's Shadow Over Taiwan: US Diplomat Vows Support as Beijing Flexes Military Might
Taiwan's President William Lai Ching-te has vowed to maintain the status quo with Beijing, but has also called for international support in safeguarding the island's sovereignty. The United States, which has long-standing ties with Taiwan, is bound by US law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.
In recent months, the US has approved the sale of missiles and drones to Taiwan, and the House of Representatives has passed an $8 billion military aid package for the island. The American Institute in Taiwan, which functions as a de facto US embassy, plays a crucial role in facilitating cooperation between the two countries.
China has not commented on Greene's declaration or the recent military activities around Taiwan. However, Beijing has previously condemned US involvement in Taiwan's affairs and has warned that any attempt to interfere with its reunification with the mainland will be met with a forceful response.
The escalating tensions between China and Taiwan have raised concerns within the international community, particularly among US allies in the region. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has recently forged closer ties with Asian partners, including Japan and South Korea, in response to worries about China's growing military assertiveness.
The situation in Taiwan is a complex and sensitive issue that involves historical, political, and security dimensions. As China continues to ramp up its military pressure against the island, the United States and its allies face the delicate task of balancing their commitments to Taiwan's security with the need to maintain stability in the region and avoid direct confrontation with China.
