Blinken Warns "China's Military Demonstration Around Taiwan Is a Provocative Act"

Interpretation That the U.S. Has Shown Willingness to Engage in Taiwan Issue

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken recently criticized China’s large-scale military demonstrations against Taiwan, calling them provocative acts that threaten regional stability.

On the 6th (local time), Secretary Blinken said in an interview with Bloomberg News regarding China’s recent intrusion into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), "China’s actions are provocative and potentially destabilizing," adding, "There is a possibility that these actions are the result of misjudgment and miscommunication, so I hope these (Chinese) actions will cease."

Earlier, the Chinese Air Force conducted a large-scale military demonstration by intruding into Taiwan’s ADIZ, escalating tensions in the surrounding area. During the four-day Chinese National Day holiday earlier this month, Chinese military aircraft intruded into Taiwan’s ADIZ a staggering 149 times.

Secretary Blinken urged, "There should be no unilateral actions to change the current status quo," and emphasized, "China must stop these actions."

In particular, as concerns about a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan have been raised, evaluations suggest that cross-strait (China-Taiwan) relations are deteriorating.

On the same day, Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, appeared before Taiwan’s legislature and stated, "Relations with China are the worst in my over 40 years in the military, and the situation is serious enough that real conflict could break out due to risks such as accidental fire between the two militaries," warning, "China is likely to possess the capability to launch a full-scale invasion of Taiwan by 2025 while minimizing costs and military depletion."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Recently, U.S. authorities have continuously expressed their willingness to engage on the Taiwan issue.

President Joe Biden’s phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping the previous day, during which he conveyed that "both parties agreed to adhere to the 'Taiwan consensus,'" is interpreted as demonstrating this willingness. In particular, Biden’s mention of the Taiwan consensus is understood as a commitment to comply with the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, which emphasizes resolving the Taiwan issue peacefully.

Secretary Blinken’s strong warning message to China regarding the Taiwan issue is also seen as reflecting the Biden administration’s engagement intent.

Additionally, Secretary Blinken stated during his visit to Paris, France, that the relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan is "very solid."

Furthermore, Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, met with Yang Jiechi, Chinese Politburo member in charge of foreign affairs, in Zurich, Switzerland, and conveyed concerns about human rights and the Taiwan issue to China.

He reported that the U.S. clearly expressed its intention to continue high-level contacts with China.

Meanwhile, the U.S. also expressed its willingness to seek cooperation with China on issues where collaboration is possible.

Secretary Blinken emphasized that U.S.-China relations are very important and said there are areas for enhanced cooperation between the two countries on "existential issues" such as climate change. He stressed, "The United States and China have a responsibility that must be fulfilled."

Regarding the bankruptcy crisis of the Evergrande Group, he said, "We hope China can handle this well," adding, "Since the global economy is closely interconnected, every economic measure China takes has significant ripple effects."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.