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The warning was issued a day after a surprise visit to the democratic island by a two-star US Navy admiral who oversees US military intelligence in Asia-Pacific.
O’Brien warned Beijing during a tour of the Philippines and Vietnam, where he spoke with colleagues about tackling China’s increasing aggressiveness in the South China Sea. The disputed area is largely claimed by Beijing. (Read: Kim Jong-un’s nephew disappears after meeting a CIA agent)
The Chinese Communist Party-controlled Beijing government also claims Taiwan, a democratically self-governing territory with a population of about 24 million, although it never came to power there. Beijing has threatened to annex the island, and in recent months has increased military intimidation through simulated invasions and air strikes.
“We have a very close relationship with Taiwan. The President (Donald Trump) has made it clear that any attempt to get Taiwan to unite with China by anything other than persuasion or democratic elections is something that will be very influential for the People’s Republic of China, “O’Brien said. The Telegraph, Tuesday (24/11/2020).
“I can’t imagine anything that will cause a bigger reaction against China around the world if they try to use military force to force Taiwan,” he continued to reporters. (Also read: US Tests F-35 Stealth Fighter Jet for Supersonic Nuclear Strike, Here’s Video)
Washington does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taipei but views Taiwan as a democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific strategic region. America is the largest arms supplier in Taiwan.
The Trump administration has stepped up support for Taiwan in recent months, including approving several large-scale arms sales and sending in senior officials, including US Health Secretary Alex Azar.
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