Pentagon reminds China of US power amid large-scale drills near Taiwan
Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder (facebook com InternationalDefenseDesk)
The Pentagon has described China's large-scale military exercises near Taiwan as an operation of coercion, while the US reiterated its commitment to maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait, according to Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder.
"We have closely monitored the People's Liberation Army (PLA) exercise, JOINT SWORD 2024B, around Taiwan. This military pressure operation is irresponsible, disproportionate, and destabilizing," he said.
The spokesperson added that it has been a long-standing tradition for Taiwan's president to deliver remarks on the national holiday of October 10, which usually does not provoke a significant response from China. However, Beijing has chosen this opportunity for provocative military actions.
Ryder emphasized that the US remains confident in its capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Deterrence remains strong in the Indo-Pacific, and the Department remains confident in its current force posture and operations in the region. The entire world has a stake in peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and we continue to see a growing community of countries committed to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," the spokesperson said.
He also added that the US is working with allies to promote the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, despite China’s destabilizing behavior.
Chinese military exercises
On October 14, China launched large-scale military exercises, Joint Sword-2024B, near Taiwan. China’s army said that during the exercises, its "ships and aircraft are approaching Taiwan from various directions."
In response, Taiwan condemned Beijing’s actions but said that it is prepared for such moves.
Additionally, on October 14, Taiwan reported that several Chinese coast guard ships entered restricted waters.
