US expresses concerns over China's joint military drills around Taiwan

May 26, 2024

By The South Asia Times

WASHINGTON - The US has expressed deep concerns over China's joint military drills around Taiwan.

In a statement, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the United States is deeply concerned over the People’s Liberation Army joint military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan.

“We are monitoring PRC activities closely and coordinating with allies and partners regarding our shared concerns,” he said,

“We strongly urge Beijing to act with restraint. 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, which is critical for regional and global security and prosperity and a matter of international concern,” Miller added.

He reiterated Washington's commitment to its longstanding one-China policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances.

Miller's statement came after China launched its joint military drills around Taiwan and some media reports that Beijing is likely to launch an operation against Taiwan in early June.