US national security adviser John Bolton rebukes Beijing for incursions into Taiwanese airspace
- Washington sends reminder of its commitment to peaceful future for Taiwan
- Bolton speaks out as Taipei warns it will use force to deal with mainland Chinese provocations
US national security adviser John Bolton has rebuked China for sending warplanes into Taiwanese airspace in remarks analysts viewed as America backing the self-ruled island against Beijing.
In a Twitter message, Bolton wrote: “Chinese military provocation won’t win any hearts or minds in Taiwan.
“But they will strengthen the resolve of people everywhere who value democracy. The Taiwan Relations Act and our commitment are clear.”
Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province subject to eventual union by force if necessary.
On Sunday, two PLA warplanes flew over the Taiwan Strait and crossed a “median line” that tacitly divides the mainland from the island. Analysts in Taiwan saw it as a warning to the US to stop sending warships on what Washington said were “freedom of navigation” operations in international waters.