The Biden administration has called on China to “act with restraint” following provocative military drills conducted by the Chinese military near Taiwan on Friday.
According to Taiwanese military officials, dozens of Chinese navy vessels and warplanes were spotted off the coast of Taiwan. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry reported a total of 49 Chinese warplanes and 19 navy vessels in the area. Additionally, 35 of the Chinese planes flew across the median line in the Taiwan Strait, a line considered the de-facto boundary between Taiwan and China.
In a statement released on Saturday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed the U.S.’s deep concern over the military exercises. “We are monitoring PRC activities closely and coordinating with allies and partners regarding our shared concerns,” Miller stated. “We strongly urge Beijing to act with restraint.”
Miller added, “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”.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin criticized the U.S.’s calls for restraint. “The U.S. is in no position to make such irresponsible remarks,” Wang said.
These developments come amid escalating tensions in the region. Former Taiwanese navy captain Lu Li Shih warned that China appears to be preparing for conflict. “China is preparing for war based on the number of military ships and the hiring of new recruits,” Lu told.
