PLA Activity Near Taiwan Not Linked to Lai’s U.S. Stopovers, Says AIT

TAIPEI: The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) stated that the increased military activity by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) near Taiwan is not connected to President Lai Ching-te's recent stopovers in the United States. The AIT's remarks come amidst heightened concerns about regional stability. According to Focus Taiwan, an AIT spokesperson clarified that the uptick in PLA maneuvers in the East China Sea and South China Sea is part of a broader trend of increased military exercises by China in recent years. The spokesperson emphasized that this activity does not appear to be a direct response to President Lai's transit through the United States. The spokesperson reiterated the U.S. call for China to avoid actions that could destabilize the region and highlighted ongoing coordination with allies to address shared concerns. The statement was made in response to China designating seven areas near Zhejiang and Fujian provinces as "temporary reserved areas" of airspace earlier this week. These designations typically signal military activities. Speculation had arisen from foreign wire reports suggesting that the PLA's increased activity might be linked to President Lai's recent South Pacific trip, which included stopovers in Hawaii and Guam. Despite the speculations, the AIT noted that Beijing has not announced any specific military exercises, such as a "Joint Sword" exercise, in direct response to Lai's travels. The military activity remains consistent with patterns observed during other large-scale exercises by China. In a related development, Germany expressed its concerns over the situation. A spokesperson from Germany's Federal Foreign Office voiced apprehensions regarding the increased Chinese military presence near Taiwan. The German Institute Taipei also stated via Facebook that Germany is closely monitoring the developments, stressing the strategic importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea for both regional and global security.