The United States has urged Beijing to reduce military activity near Taiwan following a series of extensive Chinese drills that have intensified concerns over stability in the Asia-Pacific region. U.S. officials described the latest exercises as avoidable actions that risk increasing misunderstandings and tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
In a statement released Thursday, the U.S. State Department emphasized the importance of restraint and reiterated Washington’s long-standing position in favor of peace and open communication. The statement stressed that the United States opposes any effort to alter existing conditions through pressure or the threat of force and continues to support calm and stability in the region.
The comments came after China concluded a two-day military operation involving coordinated naval and aerial maneuvers around Taiwan. The drills, which ended on December 31, featured warships, aircraft, and live-fire components conducted across multiple maritime zones near the island. Taiwanese defense authorities reported that several projectiles landed close to its surrounding waters, marking one of the nearest recorded live-fire activities to the island in recent years.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said that Chinese military assets remained active around the island even after the official conclusion of the exercises. According to the ministry, naval vessels and other official ships were observed operating nearby, prompting continued monitoring by Taiwan’s armed forces. Officials added that standard defensive measures were taken to ensure security without escalating the situation.
Beijing has defended the drills, stating that the maneuvers were intended to signal opposition to separatist movements and to assert what it describes as its sovereign claims. Chinese authorities have consistently maintained that military preparedness around Taiwan is an internal matter.
The developments have drawn widespread international attention. Several governments across Europe and the Indo-Pacific region expressed concern, warning that heightened military activity could disrupt global trade routes and regional security. European officials noted that stability in the Taiwan Strait plays a critical role in the global economy and urged all parties to avoid actions that could lead to conflict.
Analysts say the situation highlights ongoing geopolitical challenges in East Asia, where military posturing and diplomatic messaging often occur simultaneously. While no immediate escalation has been reported, observers note that continued dialogue and confidence-building measures will be essential to prevent further deterioration in relations.
As regional actors and global partners watch closely, calls for diplomacy continue to grow, underscoring the shared interest in maintaining peace and predictability in one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.
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