WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has expressed concern over China’s increased military activity near Taiwan, saying that this will undermine regional peace and stability.
“We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan,” the US State Department said in a press statement issued on Sunday.
This followed two straight days of China sending a record number of planes near the island.
“We have an abiding interest in peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defense capability, and we will maintain our commitments as outlined in the Three Communiqués, the Taiwan Relations Act, and the Six Assurances.
“The U.S. commitment to Taiwan is rock solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region. We will continue to stand with friends and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values and deepen our ties with democratic Taiwan.”
On Saturday, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu tweeted that “Oct 1 wasn’t a good day.” He said China’s armed forces flew 38 warplanes into Taiwan’s ADIZ (East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone), making it the largest number of daily sorties on record.
— WE