US coordinating closely with Taiwan as China continues military exercises

After China began military exercises for two days in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas, the US State Department said it was “very closely monitoring” its efforts in coordination with the island nation, and its current military presence in the area. Expressed confidence in the situation and operations. Ensure peace and stability, Focus Taiwan reported.

In an emailed response to CNA, a State Department spokesperson expressed concern over reports of joint military exercises with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in and around the Taiwan Strait.

The spokesperson further said that China’s actions risk escalating tensions and undermining long-standing norms that have maintained regional peace and stability for decades.

The spokesperson said Taiwan’s political transition is a normal and regular part of its democratic process and China should not use it as an excuse for provocative or coercive measures, Focus Taiwan reported.

The spokesperson assured and said that the US is confident in its current troop positioning and operations in the region to ensure peace and stability and meet its national security commitments.

The PLA’s Eastern Theater Command announced the launch of “Joint Sword-2024A” military exercises in the waters and airspace around Taiwan on Thursday, just three days after the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Lai Ching-te.

China-based Xinhua news agency reported that the Chinese exercises focused on joint sea-air combat-readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive battlefield control and joint precision strikes on key targets.

“The exercises are being conducted in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island, as well as the surrounding areas of Kinmen, Matsu, Wukiu and Dongyin Islands,” it said.

Meanwhile, earlier on Thursday, President Lai said during a speech at the 66th Brigade of the Marine Corps in Taoyuan that in the face of external threats, he/she will promote defense reforms to safeguard the values ​​of freedom and democracy and safeguard regional peace. will continue. and stability, demonstrating to the world Taiwan’s determination to defend its democracy.

The same day, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) said that no live-fire exercises had been detected by the PLA around the Taiwan Strait. As of 6 pm, 16 PLA warships and 19 China coast guard ships were operating in the area.

The MND said it would follow standard procedures to deal with emergencies during the regular readiness period of the armed forces, including deploying naval, air and ground forces to defend the independence, democracy and sovereignty of Taiwan.

Jude Blanchett, Freeman Chair of China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), commented on the issue and said the exercise is designed to exert increased political pressure on Taiwan and give President Lai “an early test”.

As reported by Focus Taiwan, Blanchett further said that as was seen during former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, Beijing uses such practices to create a new normal.