China lodged a strong protest and issued a stern warning following revelations of covert joint naval exercises between the U.S. and Taiwan. Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, emphasized China's unwavering opposition to U.S. military interactions with Taiwan, describing this stance as consistent and unequivocal. Despite being Taiwan's primary arms supplier, the U.S. and Taiwan maintain a discreet level of military cooperation to prevent escalating tensions with China, which asserts territorial claims over Taiwan.
Sources disclosed that the drills, involving approximately six vessels from each side, including frigates and supply ships, occurred last month. These exercises, conducted clandestinely, encompassed fundamental actions such as refueling and communication. Taiwan's navy affirmed its adherence to the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, designed to reduce uncertainty and interference between the naval forces of different countries.
Wang called on Washington to halt its military engagement with Taiwan and adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués. The U.S. has historically adhered to a "one China principle," recognizing Beijing's claim to represent both China and Taiwan, as outlined in the communiqués from the late 1970s and early 1980s.
President Xi Jinping has consistently asserted that Taiwan must be reunified with China, even if force is required, although polling data indicates that only a minority of Taiwanese support this notion. Beijing has intensified pressure on Taiwan since the election of President Tsai Ing-wen, who is skeptical of China, in 2016. President-elect Lai Ching-te has echoed Tsai's stance, emphasizing that Taiwan is open to engaging with China on the basis of equality and dignity.
In response to China's actions, Taiwan has bolstered its defense capabilities by increasing its military budget, extending compulsory military service, and advancing indigenous weapons programs, all while continuing significant arms purchases from the U.S.