US Condemns China’s Military Drills near Taiwan as Threat to Regional Stability

WASHINGTON:
The United States has strongly condemned China’s recent large-scale military exercises near Taiwan, terming them a serious threat to regional stability and prosperity.

The drills, conducted by the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern theater Command, have been described as an attempt to intimidate Taiwan and alter the status quo in the region.

State department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, in a stern statement, said, “Once again, China’s aggressive military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan only serve to exacerbate tensions and put the region’s security and the world’s prosperity at risk. The United States’ enduring commitment to our allies and partners, including Taiwan, continues.”

Bruce further emphasized that the US supports peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo through force or coercion.

China’s military exercises, which involve both navy and air force units, are being portrayed by Beijing as a forceful deterrence against what it calls ‘Taiwan Independence’ separatist forces. The PLA Eastern theater Command justified the maneuvers, stating, “It is a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity.”

Taiwan, however, has condemned the drills, calling them reckless and irresponsible. Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of Taiwan’s National Security Council, criticized the exercises on X, stating, “It came without justification, violates international laws and is totally unacceptable. Democracies need to condemn China for being a troublemaker.”

In a parallel move, US lawmakers, including Senators Chris Van Hollen, John Curtis, and Andy Kim, joined Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi to reintroduce the bipartisan Taiwan Allies Fund Act. The proposed legislation aims to bolster Taiwan’s international presence and counter China’s coercion tactics by authorizing USD 120 million over three years to support Taiwan’s partners facing pressure from Beijing.

“As the People’s Republic of China works to isolate Taiwan from allies, it’s all the more important that we defend its role within the international community. This bipartisan effort will help protect and strengthen Taiwan’s global relations in the face of Beijing’s coercive tactics, while promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific,” stated Senator Van Hollen.

Senator Curtis echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need to resist China’s pressure campaigns. “This bill helps countries stand strong in the face of the CCP and strengthen their ties with Taiwan—and aligns with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s goal of ensuring that any US dollars spent abroad are making Americans more safe, secure, and prosperous,” Curtis said.

Congressman Ami Bera highlighted the urgency of a unified response, asserting, “This bipartisan legislation underscores America’s commitment to standing firmly with Taiwan and safeguarding our shared democratic values.”

Raja Krishnamoorthi also expressed concern over China’s coercive measures, stating, “This bill pushes back on Beijing’s inclination to bully smaller countries and limit Taiwan’s global network of partners. It is essential to ensuring peace and stability not only in the Indo-Pacific but across the globe.”

With tensions escalating in the region, the US has reiterated its commitment to Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific security framework.