US Pacific Air Forces Commander: "China May Exploit Ukraine Crisis to Provoke"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The commander of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces warned that China could exploit the escalating Ukraine crisis to engage in more provocative actions in Asia. Given the heightened military tensions around the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, there are concerns that localized provocations could intensify.

According to AFP on the 15th (local time), Kenneth Wilsbach, commander of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, said at a press conference after attending the Singapore Airshow, "China is closely observing the situation in Europe and is likely to try to take advantage of the current circumstances to maneuver something in the Indo-Pacific region," adding, "I am concerned that they might exploit the situation related to the Ukraine crisis."

He continued, "It is very concerning that the Chinese government recently expressed support to Russia regarding the standoff with the West over Ukraine," and pointed out, "China is likely reviewing options to leverage this crisis in various ways."

Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony together on the 4th and held a summit, showcasing their camaraderie by urging the U.S. to "abandon Cold War approaches."

In particular, the joint statement released by the two countries at that time explicitly stated, "We support the One-China principle and confirm that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, opposing any form of Taiwan independence." As China's military provocations continue in the Taiwan Strait, there is a possibility that the U.S. could face pressure simultaneously in both Europe and Asia.

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