US and South Korea Concerned Over China’s Military Drills Near Taiwan
On Friday, the United States and South Korea expressed their worries about China’s recent military exercises around Taiwan, which have increased tensions in the Taiwan Strait. This was discussed during the 2024 2+2 ministerial meeting, where U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.
The joint statement from the meeting emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which is crucial for global security and prosperity. The U.S. and South Korea reiterated their stance on Taiwan, advocating for peaceful resolutions to cross-Strait issues.
China’s military exercises, named “Joint Sword-2024B,” involved various military forces and were seen as a warning against Taiwan’s independence movements. These drills followed a speech by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, who asserted that China has no right to represent Taiwan.
Additionally, the U.S. and South Korea condemned the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, which includes illegal arms transfers and North Korean troops aiding Russia in Ukraine. This cooperation violates United Nations Security Council resolutions and threatens stability in the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
The statement also highlighted the importance of maritime safety and security, urging adherence to international law as per the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The U.S. and South Korea stressed the need for freedom of navigation and peaceful dispute resolution to ensure regional stability.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located near China. It is a place where people live and has its own government, but China claims it as part of its country.
Military Drills -: Military drills are practice exercises that armies do to prepare for real situations. They involve soldiers, ships, and planes practicing how to defend or attack.
Taiwan Strait -: The Taiwan Strait is a body of water that separates Taiwan from mainland China. It is an important area for ships to travel through.
UN Resolutions -: UN resolutions are decisions made by the United Nations, an international organization that works to keep peace in the world. Countries are expected to follow these decisions.
Maritime Safety -: Maritime safety means keeping ships and boats safe while they are on the water. It involves following rules to prevent accidents and conflicts at sea.