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Washington says has sufficient resources `to ensure peace’ in Taiwan Strait

The diplomat noted that the United States is "closely following the actions of Beijing"

WASHINGTON, April 9. /TASS/. The United States has enough resources and capabilities to "ensure peace and stability" in the Taiwan Strait, a State Department spokesperson said on Saturday.

Commenting on the Chinese drills currently underway in the region, the US diplomat said, "Our channels of communication with the PRC remain open and we have consistently urged restraint and no change to the status quo."

"We are comfortable and confident that we have in place sufficient resources and capabilities in the region to ensure peace and stability and to meet our national security commitments," he stressed, adding that Washington was monitoring Beijing’s actions closely.

Earlier, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command announced that the PLA would hold a three-day military exercise in the Taiwan Strait, as well as in waters north, south and east of the island, starting from April 8. The exercise, named "United Sharp Sword," coincides with patrols around Taiwan.

The exercise came a day after Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen transited through the United States, where she met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. After the meeting, the US side stated the need to continue selling weapons to Taiwan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry protested the move, warning that Beijing would take efficient and resolute measures in response.

China’s largest island, Taiwan has been governed by its local administration since 1949, but Beijing considers Taiwan a province of the People’s Republic of China. Washington has been the key supplier of weapons and military hardware for Taipei.

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China United States Taiwan

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