US expresses concern over China's drills around Taiwan

By Serdar Dincel

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US on Saturday expressed concern over China's now wrapped up two-day military drills around Taiwan.

"The United States is deeply concerned over the People’s Liberation Army joint military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan," a statement by US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

"We strongly urge Beijing to act with restraint. Using a normal, routine, and democratic transition as an excuse for military provocations risks escalation and erodes longstanding norms that for decades have maintained peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which is critical for regional and global security and prosperity and a matter of international concern," he added.

The US remains committed to its longstanding one China policy, the statement said.

Codenamed Joint Sword-2024A, the exercises were launched three days after Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te took office earlier this week. China considers Taiwan as its own.