The Chinese People’s Liberation Army sent two J-11 fighter jets across the median line in the Taiwan strait on March 31. This happened three days after the President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen visited Hawaii and had a video conference with members of Congress, hosted by the Heritage Foundation in Washington.
A strong protest from Taiwan was triggered after the Chinese fighter jets entered Taiwan’s southwestern airspace, crossing the line dividing the two countries. United States representatives second Taiwan’s protest, calling the encroachment a deliberate threat to Taiwan.
.@EdFeulner notes that Lester Wolff @RepWolff—author of the Taiwan Relations Act—is here today #TsaiAtHeritage
LIVE now with Tsai Ing-wen, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) @iingwen @EdFeulner @SenCoryGardner @RepTedYoho https://t.co/LDfX2hT07F pic.twitter.com/y77A3p1UUE
— Heritage Foundation (@Heritage) March 27, 2019
“The ongoing threats and military intimidation and coercion of Taiwan is destabilizing to the entire region,” said Randy Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asia and Pacific Security Affairs. The United States Department of Defense called on Beijing to stop its coercive actions, and to resume dialogue with Taiwan’s elected officials.
White House National Security Adviser John Bolton commented on the provocation: “Chinese military provocation won’t win any hearts or minds in Taiwan … The Taiwan Relations Act and our commitment are clear.”
As Commander-in-Chief, I will resolutely protect #Taiwan’s security & sovereignty. As #China continues to challenge regional security, I want to remind the Beijing authorities: do not deliberately provoke; do not instigate trouble; & do not sabotage the cross-strait status quo. pic.twitter.com/WBO2W4CeqF
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) April 1, 2019
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
April 10 marks the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Members of Congress recently introduced the Taiwan Assurance Act and another bill to further strengthen bilateral ties between Taiwan and the United States.
“The American Congress, the American people that sent us here, stand strong with Taiwan,” said Representative Ted Yoho, Ranking Member of the Asia-Pacific Subcommittee.
On Wednesday the American Institute in Taiwan confirmed for the first time that since 2005, there have been active military personal, including the United States Marine Corp stationed at the institute.
Two B-52 Strategic Bombers flew over the South China Sea and the East China Sea on April 4. Both actions were seen as strong warnings to Beijing.
“Without a change in their behaviour and their disposition toward Taiwan, US policy is gonna become ever more strident,” said Walter Lohman, Director of the Asian Studies at the Heritage Foundation.
