US expresses strong concern over China’s military exercises near Taiwan | Global News

The tension between the US and China escalated as the US expressed deep concern over the Chinese army’s joint military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan. The US Department of State official spokesperson, Matthew Miller, urged China to act with restraint in a statement released following China’s two-day-long military drills involving land, sea, air, and rocket forces.

The drills, which took place just days after Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan’s President, were seen as a response to what China called “punishment” for so-called “separatist acts.” China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported that the drills included dozens of fighter jets carrying live ammunition conducting mock strikes against “high-value military targets” of the “enemy.”

Despite never having controlled Taiwan, China claims it as part of its territory and has vowed to take the island by force if necessary. The drills, which began in areas around Taiwan, including the Taiwan Strait and adjacent islands, were described by PLA Naval Colonel Li Xi as a “strong punishment” for Taiwan independence forces.

In response, Taiwan deployed its own warships to monitor the situation. Taiwan’s new President, Lai Ching-te, who called on Beijing to end its intimidation of Taiwan in his inauguration speech, has been labeled a “dangerous separatist” by Beijing. The US reaffirmed its commitment to its longstanding one China policy amid the escalating tensions in the region.