Taiwan/Beijing: Longstanding tensions between Taiwan and China have escalated after China carried out large-scale military exercises around the Taiwan Strait, raising alarms in the region. The US has responded, urging China to exercise restraint and avoid further provocations.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott warned that continued Chinese military maneuvers and intimidation could exacerbate instability around Taiwan. He called on China to halt military pressure and stressed that the US hopes for a resolution through diplomatic channels. Pigott reaffirmed America’s support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and condemned any coercive actions by Beijing.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense reported that China deployed 130 warplanes and 14 naval vessels over just two days during the exercises. Around the New Year, Chinese President Xi Jinping made provocative remarks, asserting that efforts to reclaim Taiwan will not cease and pledging to protect China against foreign expansionism.