US moves to strengthen Taiwan military ties ‘a sign of malice’, says Chinese analyst

The National Defence Authorisation Act, which has passed the Senate, includes provisions for a training programme with the island and a military presence

Beijing has protested Washington’s growing ties with the island, and a visit by former House speaker Nancy Pelosi triggered an unprecedented wave of PLA exercises

Reading Time:2 minutes

The US legislation aims to boost America’s role in training Taiwanese troops. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 10:27pm, 22 Dec 2022Updated: 9:46am, 23 Dec 2022

US moves to establish a military training programme with Taiwan, including full-scale joint exercises, are a sign of Washington’s “malicious attitude”, according to a Chinese military analyst.

The National Defence Authorisation Act 2023, which was passed by the US Senate last week and now heads for US President Joe Biden to sign into law, includes measures to improve Taiwan’s defences with the aim of deterring aggression from the Chinese mainland.

Fu Qianshao, a retired equipment specialist from the PLA Air Force, said inviting Taiwan to participate in military exercises would indicate a “very sensitive trend”.

“It is against the US commitment in the three US-China communiqués and shows its malicious attitude,” Fu said.

The three joint statements laid the basis for the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the US and People’s Republic of China and included an acknowledgement of Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of China.

“The United States used to sneak troops into Taiwan for training, but now it is boldly raised in the bill. It has stepped up the act of collusion. This is a dangerous trend that undermines the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. We must resolutely oppose it.” Fu said.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x