The Biden administration has warned China to “act with restraint” after China’s Communist Party-controlled military conducted provocative military drills off Taiwan’s coast on Friday.
Dozens of Chinese naval vessels and military aircraft were spotted off Taiwan’s coast on Friday, according to Taiwanese military officials, bringing the total to 49 Chinese military aircraft and 19 naval vessels.
Taiwanese authorities reported that 35 Chinese military aircraft flew across the median line in the Taiwan Strait, which is considered the de facto border between the two countries.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement Saturday that the United States was “deeply concerned” about the military exercises.
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On April 8, Chinese warships were conducting military exercises near the Matsu Islands, which are under the effective control of Taiwan and are close to the Chinese coast. (Reuters/Thomas Peter)
“We are closely monitoring China’s activities and coordinating with allies and partners on our shared concerns,” the statement said. “We urge Beijing to act with restraint.”
“Using a normal, routine democratic transition as a pretext for military provocation risks escalating tensions and undermining long-standing norms that have maintained peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for decades. This is critical to regional and global security and prosperity and a matter of international concern,” Miller added.
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This photo released by Taiwan’s Presidential Office shows newly commissioned naval vessels at the port of Suao in northern Taiwan, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. (Taiwan Presidential Office via Associated Press)
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Friday slammed past U.S. calls for restraint over military drills.
“[The U.S.] I am not in a position to make such irresponsible remarks,” Wang was quoted as saying.
The exercise comes as tensions continue to rise in the region, with former Taiwanese navy captain Lu Li-shih telling Sky News that China is “preparing for war.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin attended a regular press conference in Beijing, China on May 24, 2022. (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
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“China is preparing for war based on the number of warships and the hiring of new soldiers, all for its own defense and Taiwan,” the former captain said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
