Chinese military pressure on Taiwan threatens regional peace and stability: US State dept

KATHMANDU: United States Department of State in a statement expressed its concern over alleged Chinese attempt to put pressure on Taiwan and has urged Beijing to engage in dialogue with the Taiwanese leadership.

The statement response comes after China sent bombers and fighter jets into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone.

“The United States notes with concern the pattern of ongoing PRC attempts to intimidate its neighbours, including Taiwan. We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan’s democratically elected representatives.” Ned Price, spokesperson at the US Department of State said in the statement.

“We will stand with friends and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values in the Indo Pacific region — and that includes deepening our ties with democratic Taiwan,” Price added.

The statement further states that the United States will continue to support a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, consistent with the wishes and best interests of the people on Taiwan. The United States maintains its longstanding commitments as outlined in the Three Comminiques, the Taiwan Relations Act, and the Six Assurances.

The department claimed that the US will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defence capability and further reiterated that US commitment to Taiwan is rock-solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region.

Relations between the China and US are at their lowest level in decades due to their disagreements on issues including Taiwan, Hong Kong, human rights, the coronavirus pandemic, the South China Sea, trade and espionage.

As per China, Taiwan is the most important and sensitive issue in its relationship with the US, and has previously announced sanctions on US companies selling weapons to Taiwan, though it has not been clear how, or if, they were enforced.

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