US and EU Stand Firm: Opposing China's Actions in Taiwan Strait

Global Powers Condemn Military Drills, Reiterate Commitment to Peace and Stability

Following China's recent military drills near Taiwan, both the United States and the European Union have voiced their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The announcement came amidst a new round of joint military exercises conducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan.

Responding to inquiries about the exercises, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait. She stated that the US, under the direction of President Donald Trump, is committed to encouraging the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and opposes any attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion, as confirmed by the National Security Council (NSC).

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce echoed these sentiments, highlighting Washington's close monitoring of China's military activity near Taiwan. Bruce stated that the activity serves to "exacerbate tensions and undermine cross-Strait peace and stability," adding that "China has shown that it is not a responsible actor and has no problem putting the region's security and prosperity at risk." The U.S. position remains steadfast in supporting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposing unilateral changes to the status quo.

The European Union's diplomatic arm, the European External Action Service (EEAS), also expressed concern over the Chinese exercises, noting the increase in cross-strait tensions. An unnamed EEAS spokesperson reiterated the EU's direct interest in preserving the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and opposition to any unilateral actions. The EU called on all parties to exercise restraint and to resolve tensions through cross-strait dialogue.

The PLA's Eastern Theater Command announced the commencement of the joint exercises, involving army, navy, air, and rocket forces, with the aim to "close in" on Taiwan. These exercises were framed by China's Taiwan Affairs Office as a "stern warning" to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

In response, Major General Tung Chi-hsing (董冀星), director of the joint operations planning division under Taiwan's defense ministry, confirmed that Taiwan's military had established an emergency operations center and deployed military aircraft, vessels, and coastal missile systems. Taiwan's military is actively conducting patrols and monitoring Chinese troops. The duration of the PLA's current drills has not been announced.