US raises concern over Chinese military drills near Taiwan

The United States said it is “seriously concerned” about Chinese military drills near Taiwan on Monday.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the U.S. is concerned by the joint military drills the People’s Liberation Army is conducting in the Taiwan Strait.

“The [People’s Republic of China] response with military provocations to a routine annual speech is unwarranted and risks escalation,” Miller said in a statement.

The U.S. called on China to “act with restraint” and avoid actions that could cause instability in the area.

China employed a record 125 aircraft and its Liaoning aircraft carrier and ships in large-scale military exercises that sealed off key ports, The Associated Press reported.

The military moves underscore the tense relations between Taiwan and China.

Beijing made it clear that its military action was a “resolute punishment” for Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s rejection of China’s sovereignty claim.

The military drills came days after Taiwan celebrated the founding of its government on its National Day.

Miller said the U.S. will continue to monitor China’s activities and coordinate with allies about its concerns.

“The United States remains committed to its longstanding one China policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances,” Miller’s statement said.

While the U.S. is seen as a major ally to Taiwan, it does not formally recognize the island as a separate state from the mainland. China believes the land is part of its territory and has vowed to consolidate it by using force if necessary.