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US Urges China to De-escalate Taiwan Tensions Amid Live-Fire Drills

The United States has publicly called on China to cease its military intimidation of Taiwan and pursue dialogue, following large-scale Chinese live-fire exercises. The drills, which saw rockets land near Taiwan's contiguous zone, have drawn sharp criticism from a coalition of nations including the EU, UK, Japan, and Australia. Taiwan's defense ministry continues to monitor a significant presence of Chinese vessels and aircraft in the area. The international community warns that these actions risk destabilizing the Indo-Pacific and altering the status quo by coercion.

Key Points: US Calls for Restraint as China-Taiwan Tensions Rise

  • US urges China to reduce military pressure
  • International criticism of PLA drills grows
  • Live-fire exercises mark closest-ever activity
  • Taiwan monitors ongoing PLA presence
2 min read

USA cautions China to pull back as tensions escalate between Beijing and Taiwan

The US cautions China over military drills near Taiwan, as international concern grows over regional stability. Read the latest developments.

"We call on Beijing to show restraint, halt its military intimidation of Taiwan, and pursue meaningful dialogue instead. - Tommy Pigott, U.S. State Department"

Taipei, January 2

China's recent live-fire military exercise has heightened strains between Taiwan and Beijing. The United States stepped in earlier this week, calling on China to reduce its military pressure campaign against Taiwan, Focus Taiwan reported.

"China's military actions and statements toward Taiwan and other regional actors unnecessarily raise tensions," said Tommy Pigott, the U.S. State Department's principal deputy spokesperson, on Thursday, according to Focus Taiwan.

"We call on Beijing to show restraint, halt its military intimidation of Taiwan, and pursue meaningful dialogue instead," Pigott stated.

"The United States remains committed to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and rejects any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo, including through force or coercion," he added.

China's latest round of large-scale military drills surrounding Taiwan has drawn sharp international criticism, with governments and lawmakers warning that China's actions risk destabilising the Indo-Pacific and escalating regional tensions.

The two-day exercise, which concluded on December 31, involved extensive naval and air deployments and was widely seen as a show of force aimed at pressuring the self-governed island.

The European Union, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines all voiced serious concern over the drills. In a statement, the European External Action Service stressed that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are vital to global security and prosperity, warning against any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo through coercion or military means.

The PLA conducted military exercises dubbed "Justice Mission-2025" from Monday to Tuesday across five maritime areas and airspace surrounding Taiwan, describing them as a "stern warning" to so-called "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, reported Focus Taiwan

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported on Tuesday that the PLA launched 27 rockets on the second day of the drills, with 10 landing in waters within Taiwan's 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone, marking the closest Chinese live-fire activity ever recorded near Taiwan.

On Friday the Ministry said, 6 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. 2 PRC balloons were also detected during this timeframe. The Taiwan's authorities say their Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Watching this from India, the pattern is familiar. Unilateral military actions that destabilize a region. The international community speaking up is crucial. Stability in the Taiwan Strait is vital for global trade, which affects economies everywhere, including ours.
V
Vikram M
The rockets landing within 24 nautical miles is a serious escalation. As an Indian, I believe every nation has the right to peace and security without intimidation. Hope diplomacy prevails. The world doesn't need another conflict zone.
R
Rohit P
While the US statement is good, their track record on intervening in other regions is mixed. Ultimately, the people of Taiwan should have a say in their future. China must show restraint. Constant military pressure helps no one.
P
Priya S
It's worrying to see such tensions so close to home, in the Indo-Pacific. So many countries have expressed concern. Dialogue is the only way forward. Sending balloons and ships is just childish intimidation tactics. 🙄
M
Michael C
The article mentions the EU, UK, Japan, Australia all voicing concern. This isn't just a US-China issue; it's a global stability issue. India has a major stake in a peaceful Indo-Pacific. Hope our diplomacy is also actively engaged behind the scenes.
K
Kavya N
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