Pentagon criticizes China-Taiwan siege drill "causing instability"

The U.S. Department of Defense criticized the Chinese military for conducting a siege drill on Taiwan yesterday (14th), saying the military pressure was irresponsible, unproportionate, and destabilizing.

Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement that the Chinese military had closely monitored the "Yonhap Regen exercise" conducted around Taiwan.Spokesperson

Rider said Taiwan's presidential speech as a reason for military exercises is a long tradition, noting that China has rarely reacted to regular speeches focused on its own issues.

He said the deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region remains strong and the U.S. is confident in its military posture and operations in the region.

The ministry also stressed that stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait are at stake worldwide and that it will continue to work with allies and partners to develop a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.