Recently, the activity of warships and aircraft of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) in the Taiwan Strait has increased significantly. Concerning, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin estimated the likelihood of Chinese troops invading Taiwan.
His performance, concerning this issue, sounded after the US-Japanese meeting at the level of foreign and defense ministers, which took place in Washington.
According to Austin, the likelihood of a Chinese army attacking Taiwan is low. The head of the Pentagon believes, that Beijing does not seek to unleash an armed conflict, but only demonstrates the "new normal" to the world. He is "seriously doubtful", that the Chinese will escalate.
We believe, that they are trying to establish a new normal- states the United States Secretary of Defense.
Actions of the PLA in the Austin region described as "provocative". At the same time, the American minister noted, that the United States is closely monitoring the situation, emerging around Taiwan. And if, nevertheless, relations between the island and mainland China escalate to the limit, Washington, according to Austin, will make every effort to resolve the conflict by peaceful means.
The largest incursion of Chinese military aviation into the Taiwanese air defense zone in history occurred 26 December last year. Participated in it 71 PLA manned and unmanned vehicle.
Against the backdrop of increased Chinese military activity, the United States intends to deploy additional Marine Corps forces to Okinawa to protect the outlying islands, owned by Japan. used photos:Ministry of Defense of the People's Republic of China
