As China continues to carry out large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, US ambassador to China David Perdue on Tuesday reaffirmed Quad’s commitment to maintain a “free and open” Indo-Pacific.
After
a meeting with ambassadors from other Quad partners – Australia, India and Japan – in Beijing, Perdue said in a post on X: “The Quad is a force for good working to maintain a free and open Indopacific. It is always great to meet with the Quad Ambassadors here in Beijing. The US-Australia-India-Japan relationship continues to be strong.”
This comes as China continues large-scale inter-service joint military exercise around Taiwan, showcasing its assertion over the island nation, which Beijing claims “is a sacred and inseparable part” of its territory.
The drills, which began on Monday, include live-fire exercises and simulations of a possible blockade of Taiwan’s key ports.
China said the exercises were aimed at testing its combat readiness and warning against what it calls “Taiwan independence” forces.
However, Taiwan strongly criticised the drills, calling them an act of military intimidation that threatens peace and stability in the region.
According to the Chinese military, the drills involve forces from the army, navy, air force and rocket force. They include destroyers, frigates, fighter jets, bombers and drones. The exercises have been named “Justice Mission 2025″ and focus on sea and air patrols, joint combat operations and blocking access to important ports and areas around Taiwan.
China also released a map showing five large exercise zones surrounding the island. Some of these zones lie within 12 nautical miles of Taiwan’s coast, which Taipei says is extremely dangerous and irresponsible.
Taiwan’s defence ministry said it detected 89 Chinese military aircraft near the island on Monday, the highest number recorded in a single day since October 2024. It also reported sightings of 28 Chinese warships and coastguard vessels.
As a result of the drills, Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration said China had announced a “Temporary Danger Area” in the airspace near the island for 10 hours on Tuesday. More than 100,000 passengers on 857 domestic, international and transit flights are expected to be affected, with some flights being diverted or delayed.
The drills follow recent approval by the US of a major arms sale to Taiwan, worth around $11 billion. China has responded by announcing sanctions against several American defence companies.
