Washington DC [US], April 2 (ANI): The White House has reaffirmed its opposition to unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, amid Chinese military drills surrounding Taiwan.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the US is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
“The President is emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait, encouraging the peaceful resolution of these cross-strait issues, and reiterating our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion,” Leavitt said.
China’s Military Drills: A “Stern Warning”
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command launched large-scale military exercises involving its army, navy, air force, and rocket force around Taiwan on Tuesday.
According to the PLA’s statement on social media, the drills aim to:
- Encircle Taiwan from multiple directions
- Simulate combat-readiness patrols
- Conduct maritime and ground target assaults
- Block key areas and sea lanes
“It is a stern warning and forceful deterrence against ‘Taiwan Independence’ separatist forces. It is a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity,” the PLA stated.
Taiwan Condemns China’s Provocations
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) responded with strong condemnation, calling China’s actions “irrational provocations” that undermine regional peace.
“We firmly oppose the PLA’s actions that undermine regional peace. Standing guard at the forefront of freedom and democracy, we remain steadfast in defending our territorial sovereignty,” Taiwan’s MND posted on X.
US Vows to Counter China’s Aggression
The escalation comes just days after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed to counter China’s aggression during his first official visit to Asia.
Tensions between China and Taiwan have been rising, particularly following Taipei’s detention of a Chinese cargo ship crew in February, suspected of cutting an undersea internet cable in the second such incident in recent months.
The US has reiterated its commitment to regional stability while China continues to demonstrate military force in the Taiwan Strait. (ANI)
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