According to a US commander for Indo-Pacific Command, China's rhetoric and actions in Asia are becoming increasingly aggressive.
This comes as Beijing intensifies its pressure on Washington, coinciding with Secretary of State Antony Blinken's upcoming visit to the nation for a high-level meeting.
US Commander Expresses Concern Over China's Rapid Space Development
Admiral John Aquilino emphasized the rapid pace of the situation during his address in Tokyo on Tuesday, Bloomberg reported.
His remarks were made in the context of the United States' efforts to establish connections with allies in the region as a countermeasure against China, a move that has drawn criticism from Beijing.
During his upcoming visit to China, Blinken plans to address US concerns regarding Chinese companies supporting Russia's military efforts. He aims to maintain positive relations with Beijing while expressing these concerns.
In a statement released by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, China strongly criticized US complaints regarding industrial overcapacity.
Aquilino highlighted China's growing presence in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically in areas such as the Taiwan Strait and the Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines maintains effective control over the shoal, while Beijing asserts its claim.
According to Aquilino, there has been an increase in military cooperation between China and Russia, while North Korea is reportedly assisting Russia's invasion of Ukraine by supplying ballistic missiles.
Aquilino, who is preparing to retire after a three-year tenure overseeing 380,000 personnel in the region, expressed concern about China's actions in the South China Sea, describing them as risky and destabilizing.
The United States Strengthens Ties With Asian Countries
The situation at the Second Thomas Shoal has become increasingly tense, with the Philippines maintaining a grounded World War II-era ship and Chinese vessels using water cannons to obstruct Philippine military missions that rotate and resupply troops on the vessel.
He expressed concerns about China's actions in the Taiwan region, highlighting their growing assertiveness and use of coercion. This includes heightened maritime patrols and crossing a central line that is meant to prevent misunderstandings.
Blinken is also expected to reaffirm US support for Taiwan ahead of Lai Ching-te's upcoming inauguration as president in May, potentially eliciting a reaction from Beijing.
China strongly criticized Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida after his recent visit to Washington, where he strengthened relations with the US and participated in the first trilateral summit with the Philippines.
Beijing's military expressed its disapproval of a particular country outside the region for forming exclusive groups, deeming it as irresponsible and highly perilous, The Strait Times reported.
Join the Conversation