MOFA welcomes statement by US State Department expressing concern over military exercises near Taiwan

MOFA welcomes statement by US State Department expressing concern over military exercises near Taiwan

• Date：2026-01-02
• Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

January 2, 2026
No. 004

In a statement issued on January 1, the United States Department of State expressed concern over China's recent joint military exercises around Taiwan, which it said increased tensions. Adding to the concerns expressed by Japan, the Philippines, the European Union, Australia, and others, the statement by the United States once again demonstrates like-minded nations' clear position in support of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere appreciation for the US statement.

Entitled "Response to China's Military Exercise Near Taiwan," the State Department's press statement observed that China's military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan and others in the region increased tensions unnecessarily. It urged Beijing to exercise restraint, cease its military pressure against Taiwan, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue. The statement also stressed that the United States supported peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposed unilateral changes to the status quo, including by force or coercion.

Minister Lin appreciates and thanks the US government for expressing concern over China's actions, which have escalated tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan and the United States share such values and ideals as freedom and democracy. The statements issued by the governments and national parliaments of various nations in recent days have shown that maintaining Taiwan Strait peace and stability is the international consensus and a key interest for all concerned. The United Nations Charter clearly prohibits the threat or use of force. This principle applies equally to the waters of the Taiwan Strait and those along the first island chain.

Taiwan will continue to work with the United States and other like-minded countries to defend the rules-based international order and jointly advance global and regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)