White House on Thursday denounced the launch of China of Missiles near Taiwan during live-fire exercises and announced That strike a US aircraft carrier group will remain in The region amid rising tensions.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said nearly 11 rockets landed in the east, northeast and southeast of autonomous island, warning The United States expects that “these measures will continue and the Chinese will continue to respond.” in Coming days.”
“We condemn these irresponsible and conflicting actions,” he added with long-term goal of Maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in The region, Kirby told reporters at the White House. “China chose to overreact and use Visiting the speaker as an excuse to increase provocation military Activity in and about the Taiwan Strait.
He was referring to the speaker of the home of Representative Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, which led to regional tensions to the point of fever.
Beijing had warned long ago senior An American lawmaker has not visited the island, which it considers a “separatist province,” but it has maintained its independence since 1949.
Beijing pledged to reunify Taiwan with Mainland, including by force If necessary, Pelosi’s visit is a violation of its territorial integrity.
Japan said at least five of The missiles launched by China fell within its exclusive economic zone in the sea of Japan with The Minister of Defense, Nobuo Kishi, noted that it was ” first The time when the ballistic missile became the return of the Chinese military have fallen into the water.”
Tokyo has lodged a protest with Kyodo News reported that Beijing on the accidents.
China has announced particle military Training surrounding Taiwan from Thursday through Sunday.
On Thursday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to strike group “to me remain in The general area to monitor the situation.
“They will be there for Kirby said a little longer than originally planned, of ships schedule But the chief thought it was wise to leave her and her escorts there just A little longer.”
The United States will also Procedure “standard air and sea transit through the Taiwan Strait in The next A few weeks, consistent with Our long-term approach to defending freedom of seas and international Law ” added.
At the same time, the United States is delaying test release of An intercontinental ballistic missile was scheduled for This week, a decision The White House said the goal was to “reduce risks.” of miscalculation” test will take place”in near future. “
