US Warns China Military Drills: "Closely Monitoring, No Reason for Overreaction" (Comprehensive)

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (left) and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy shake hands after a meeting and press conference on the 5th (local time) at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The United States warned China not to overreact as it closely monitors China's high-intensity military demonstrations encircling Taiwan from all directions.

According to major foreign media, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan, stated on the 9th, "We are closely monitoring China's actions."

This official stance from the U.S. via AIT came just one day after China launched military demonstrations in response to the meeting between Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

An AIT spokesperson pointed out, "As we have said, there is no reason for China to misrepresent (President Tsai Ing-wen's) transit, which aligns with the United States' long-standing practices and policies, as something else (factually incorrect) or to use it as a pretext for overreaction."

They emphasized, "Communication channels with the People's Republic of China (PRC) remain open, and we continue to urge restraint and maintaining the status quo."

They added, "We are confident that we have sufficient resources and capabilities to ensure regional peace and stability and to fulfill our national security commitments."

China began military exercises encircling Taiwan the day before in response to the meeting between President Tsai Ing-wen and Speaker McCarthy.

Sui, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army responsible for Taiwan, announced, "From the 8th to the 10th, the Eastern Theater Command will organize combat readiness patrols and 'Sharp Sword joint exercises' around the Taiwan Strait and the northern, southern, and eastern air and sea areas of Taiwan Island as planned."

Sui stated, "This is a stern warning against the collusion and provocations of 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and external forces, and an essential action to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

President Tsai visited Guatemala and Belize in Central America, transited through the United States to meet Speaker McCarthy and others, and returned to Taiwan on the 7th.

The Taiwan Affairs Office of China criticized in a statement immediately after President Tsai's return flight landed in Taiwan, saying, "The so-called 'transit' is merely an excuse and is actually a provocation seeking independence while relying on the United States."

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