The Pentagon has issued a strong rebuke to China over recent military exercises near Taiwan, labeling the actions as destabilizing and provocative. In a statement released by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on October 14, 2024, the U.S. Defense Department condemned the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) exercise JOINT SWORD 2024B, which took place in the Taiwan Strait. These drills come in the wake of Taiwan’s National Day, commonly known as “10/10,” where Taiwan’s president traditionally delivers remarks.
Maj. Gen. Ryder emphasized that the military operation was an unjustified response to what has historically been a domestic-focused address in Taiwan. “This military pressure operation is irresponsible, disproportionate, and destabilizing,” the Pentagon’s statement read. According to Ryder, such an aggressive display of force was unnecessary, especially considering that Taiwan’s annual National Day speech has never elicited such a strong reaction from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in previous years.
The PLA’s military exercises involved extensive naval and aerial maneuvers, raising alarms among regional allies and heightening concerns about the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The timing of these drills is seen by the U.S. as a deliberate escalation by Beijing. The Chinese government has long viewed Taiwan as a breakaway province, but the scale and timing of the recent military exercises suggest a growing willingness by the PRC to use coercive measures to assert its territorial claims.
Ryder reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to regional stability and peace. “Deterrence remains strong in the Indo-Pacific, and the Department remains confident in its current force posture and operations in the region,” the statement assured, emphasizing that the U.S. military remains vigilant and well-positioned to respond to any threats. The United States continues to uphold a longstanding policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances.
The Pentagon’s stance highlights broader concerns over the PRC’s increasingly assertive behavior in the region. For years, the U.S. and its allies have expressed unease over China’s military buildup and frequent displays of force near Taiwan. The latest drills come amidst heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait, with Chinese warships and fighter jets repeatedly crossing the median line—an unofficial boundary between Taiwan and the mainland.
As the U.S. statement notes, the international community is becoming increasingly engaged with the situation in Taiwan. Maj. Gen. Ryder pointed out that “the entire world has a stake in peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait” and mentioned that a growing number of countries have joined the call for preserving peace in the region. This coalition, centered around the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, stands as a counterbalance to China’s assertive posture.
Despite China’s aggressive military displays, Ryder affirmed the U.S.’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue. “The United States remains committed to its longstanding one-China policy,” he said, making it clear that while the U.S. recognizes China’s claim to Taiwan under certain diplomatic frameworks, it firmly opposes any attempt to resolve the issue through military force.
As tensions continue to simmer, the statement serves as a clear reminder of the U.S. dedication to regional security and its unwavering support for Taiwan. Through strengthened alliances and partnerships in the region, the U.S. is working to advance a shared vision for stability, despite the growing pressures from the PRC.
Maj. Gen. Ryder’s statement concludes with a commitment to “continue to work with allies and partners to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” underscoring the importance of cooperation in maintaining peace and stability. The PLA’s aggressive stance in the Taiwan Strait, according to the Pentagon, will not deter the U.S. and its allies from ensuring a stable, peaceful region.–News Desk