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US condemns China's military drills near Taiwan
The US State Department has expressed serious concern over China's latest military drills around Taiwan, calling them "unwarranted" and a potential risk for escalation.
Spokesperson Matthew Miller said the drills, launched by the People's Liberation Army, are an unnecessary response to a routine speech by President Lai Ching-te, which rejected China’s claim over Taiwan.
China yesterday announced the "Joint Sword-2024B" drills, involving its army, navy, and air forces, as a warning to what it calls "Taiwan independence forces." The exercises focus on combat-readiness patrols and blockades around Taiwan.
The US called on China to act with restraint, emphasizing the need to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The US State Department also confirmed it is coordinating with allies to monitor the situation closely.
In response to the drills, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) says the navy has deployed Hsiung Feng (雄風) II and Hsiung Feng III missiles to tactical positions. The MND has released footage of the anti-ship missile systems and radar vehicles leaving their base to their stand-by positions, saying that it is closely monitoring the surrounding sea areas.
The navy says the Ming Chuan (銘傳) frigate has also urgently set sail, heading to the designated sea area to carry out combat readiness and surveillance missions.
The MND says in the future, the Hsiung Feng missile systems will be connected to the Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems that Taiwan has purchased from the United States to provide better protection of Taiwan. The Navy is also building more bases for those weaponry along the western coast and Taitung.
