US Repeatedly Urges China to Halt Aerial Military Demonstrations

(Photo by AFP)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] As China continues the largest-ever aerial military demonstration near Taiwan, the White House expressed concern and urged for its cessation once again.

On the 4th (local time), White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded to questions about China's military demonstration at a press briefing, saying, "We remain concerned about China's provocative military activities near Taiwan that undermine regional peace and stability and could lead to instability and dangerous miscalculations."

Psaki urged China to "cease military, diplomatic, and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan," adding, "We have an unwavering interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and will continue to support Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defense capabilities."

She referenced the Shanghai Communiqu?, which respects the 'One China' policy, along with the 'Three Joint Communiqu?s' between the U.S. and China and the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances that define U.S.-Taiwan relations, explaining, "We are upholding the commitments contained in these."

She emphasized, "Our commitment to Taiwan is rock solid and will contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the Taiwan Strait."

Psaki's remarks on this day were very similar to a statement released the previous day by the State Department under spokesperson Ned Price. Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, criticized, "The entry of Chinese military aircraft into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) threatens regional stability and peace," and stated, "China must immediately cease military, diplomatic, and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan."

Since the start of the National Day holiday on the 1st, the Chinese military has dispatched military aircraft into the ADIZ, conducting aerial military demonstrations. On the 1st, 38 aircraft entered; on the 2nd, 39 aircraft; and on the 3rd, 16 aircraft breached the ADIZ. Including the 52 aircraft that entered on the 4th, a total of 145 Chinese military aircraft have intruded into Taiwan's ADIZ during the National Day holiday period.