In response to a visit to Taiwan by US top politician Nancy Pelosi, China began massive military maneuvers off the coast of Taiwan on Thursday, which are expected to last until Sunday. Numerous Chinese fighter jets and ships disregarded the unofficial sea border between China and Taiwan.
The US government called on China to stop the maneuvers on Friday. “The Chinese can do a lot to ease tensions simply by ending their provocative military drills and softening their tone,” said White House spokesman for the National Security Council John Kirby. The USA wanted to maintain its military contacts with the People’s Republic “at the highest level”.
The Chinese government had previously canceled talks between military leaders and two security meetings with the United States. In addition, Beijing suspended exchanges with the United States on the fight against climate change. Kirby criticized these decisions as “deeply irresponsible”.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met the new head of state of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in Manila on Saturday. Blinken paid tribute to the alliance between the two states: “The alliance is strong, and I think it can get even stronger.” Marcos spoke of a “special relationship” between the two countries.
The United States and the Philippines are linked by a security alliance. Washington has repeatedly backed Manila in disputes with Beijing over territorial claims in the South China Sea.
