In the issue of Taiwan, Beijing is “inspired” by the actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
China's armed forces have become more aggressive and dangerous at sea and in the air, said the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley< /strong>.
According to him, the number of interceptions of Chinese planes and ships in the Pacific region has increased over the past five years. The number of dangerous incidents has increased “in equal proportions”.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also spoke earlier about the “alarming increase” in dangerous interceptions committed by the Chinese Navy and aviation.
Milli ordered staff to gather detailed information on the interaction of China and the United States with other countries in the Indo-Pacific region, writes The Wall Street Journal.
The United States is actively strengthening relations with Pacific countries to contain the expansion of China's influence in the region. Milli will discuss the issue of maintaining peace and security in the region at a meeting with the heads of defense agencies of the Pacific countries in Sydney.
Washington fears a Chinese attack on Taiwan, which Beijing considers its “rebellious province.” Recently, the PRC has increased its military provocations against Taiwan.
The PRC's treaty with the Solomon Islands, thanks to which a Chinese naval base may appear in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean, is causing concern. The United States and Australia have warned the Solomon Islands that the appearance of the base is unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Beijing refuses to discuss the issue of Taiwan and says that the United States, together with its allies, allegedly wants to create an “Asian NATO” in the Pacific region.
< p>Also read: Taiwan reports 29 Chinese planes in its air defense zone – Reuters
Russian aggression against Ukraine has exacerbated security tensions between China and the US, from Taiwan's sovereignty to the Indo-Pacific rivalry in general. This situation causes great concern in Taipei itself. After all, Putin's victory in Ukraine may become a signal for more aggressive actions on the part of China. Read more in Natalia Butyrska's article “Why China does not want Ukraine to defeat Russia“.
