US State Department: Chinese military moves around Taiwan are unwarranted

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller criticized Chinese military moves around Taiwan, describing them as “unwarranted” and increasing the risk of escalation.

Miller noted in a statement that “the United States is deeply concerned about the joint military exercises of the (Chinese) People’s Liberation Army in and around the Taiwan Strait.” He said the military’s response China “through military provocations to a regular annual speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-tei on Thursday without reason and that there is a risk of escalation.”