After the end of a two-day military exercise around Taiwan by the People’s Liberation Army, the United States Department of State issued a statement on Saturday (May 25) condemning the possibility of escalation due to the Chinese military drills around Taiwan and expressing deep concerns. The statement also emphasized that the U.S. is closely monitoring China’s actions, highlighting the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for global security and prosperity.
“The United States is deeply concerned about the joint military exercises conducted by the People’s Liberation Army in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding Taiwan,” the statement released on the State Department’s website said.
“We are closely monitoring the activities of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and coordinating with our allies and partners on our shared concerns.
“We strongly urge Beijing to show restraint. Using the pretext of normal, routine, and democratic transition of power in Taiwan as a military provocation could lead to escalation and undermine the long-standing norms that have maintained peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for decades. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are crucial for regional and global security and prosperity, and are issues of international concern.
“The United States remains committed to the long-standing One-China policy. This policy is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances,” the statement said.
Three days after Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te took office, China began a two-day ring-around-Taiwan military exercise on Thursday (May 23). The drills included simulated bomber attacks and landing exercises.
China vowed that these exercises were in retaliation for President Lai Ching-te’s inaugural speech on May 20. Taiwan on Saturday condemned the exercises as “blatant provocations.”
In response to the Chinese military exercises, President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan stated that ensuring the safety and stability of the Taiwan Strait and safeguarding Taiwan’s freedom and democracy are consistent defense objectives. He and the Taiwanese military closely monitored the movements of the Chinese military throughout the exercises, taking immediate and appropriate measures to ensure the safety of Taiwan and its people.
U.S. House Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar and the committee’s Chief Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi issued a statement on Friday regarding China’s military exercises around Taiwan, saying, “Following the free and fair elections in Taiwan and the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, the Chinese Communist Party’s blatant attempt to intimidate Taiwan is completely unacceptable.”
“This action only strengthens the need for the United States to take concrete steps to help strengthen Taiwan’s defenses and counter the aggression of China. The United States and the international community must stand firmly with our Taiwanese friends in response to China’s baseless attempts to intimidate democratic societies around the world,” the two wrote.
On the same day, U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood stated on the social media platform X that China’s military exercises around Taiwan should serve as a wake-up call. In order to counter China’s increasingly aggressive behavior, the United States needs to bolster its navy, strengthen air force bases, and cooperate with U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance America’s economic competitiveness.