Despite heightened tensions with China over Taiwan, the US will use ships and planes to cross and cross the Taiwan Strait in the coming weeks, a senior US government official said. US troops would continue to fly, navigate the seas and operate where international law allows, consistent with their long-term commitment to freedom of navigation.
The United States also wants to expand its trade ties with Taiwan, US coordinator for the Asia-Pacific region Kurt Campbell announced in Washington on Friday.
He did not provide information on the exact timing or extent of planned US troop movements in the strait between Taiwan and mainland China.
US: “Further deepening” of ties with Taiwan
The US government official also announced that a new trade plan for Taiwan and information about planned trade talks with Taipei would be released in the coming days. The US would “further deepen” its relationship with Taiwan, including by strengthening economic cooperation.
Campbell described China’s last day-long maneuvers of historically unprecedented proportions after US leader Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan as an “overreaction.” Beijing continues to exhibit “provocative, destabilizing and unprecedented” behavior.
US and allied warships have held regular exercises in the straits for years, often provoking angry reactions from Beijing. China considers Taiwan and the surrounding waters to be its sovereign territory. In contrast, the United States and many other countries consider the route international waters open to all.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
