Lloyd Austin Says China's Military Activity Around Taiwan Threatens Region

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized US support for Taiwan on Saturday, hinting at a major defense forum in Asia that recent Chinese military activity around the self-governing islands could change the status quo.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Austin mentioned the steady increase in provocative and volatile military activity near Taiwan, including almost daily military flights by the People's Republic of China.

Austin said Washington remains committed to the one-China policy. This is acknowledged by Beijing, but it acknowledges informal and defensive relations with Taipei. Although Taiwan and China split during the 1949 civil war, China claims the island to be its territory and does not rule out using military force to occupy the island.

China has intensified its military provocation against democratic Taiwan in recent years, threatening to accept Beijing's demand for unity with the communist mainland.

In his speech, Austin said he continued to focus on peace, stability, and the status quo throughout the Taiwan Strait. However, China's move could undermine the security, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.