A Naval Force helicopter under the command of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater takes part in military drills in the waters around Taiwan at an undisclosed location on August 8, 2022 in this photo released on August 9, 2022. Eastern Theater Command/Handout via REUTERS

TAIPEI, Aug 19 (Reuters) – U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said on Friday China’s actions around Taiwan were raising the level of risk and he hoped China’s behavior would return to established norms previously.

China, which claims democratically-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, held military drills this month to show its anger over a visit to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, accusing Washington of the tension.

Kendall, speaking to reporters on a conference call from the US Pacific territory of Guam as part of a trip to the region which will also take place in Australia and Japan, said: “We live in dangerous times. “.

Referring to China’s drills around Taiwan, which included firing missiles over the island and repeatedly crossing the center line of the Taiwan Strait, normally an unofficial barrier, he said Beijing was very provocative.

“The military activities that China engaged in at the time of the speaker’s visit increased the level of risk and they violated a number of norms, crossing the line was one, firing into the exclusive economic zone of Japan was another and shooting Taiwan itself was another,” Kendall said.

Japan said five of the missiles fired by China landed in its economic zone.

“These are not actions designed to promote peace and stability in the region, they are very provocative and increase the level of risk,” he said.

While Kendall declined to comment directly on the details of China’s crossing of the median line, he said China overreacted to Pelosi’s trip.

“I hope their behavior will return to the norms that were set before,” he said.

China says Taiwan is the most sensitive and important issue in its relations with the United States, and it has the right to ensure its security and defend its territorial integrity.

The government of Taiwan says that since the People’s Republic of China has never ruled, Taiwan has no right to claim it or decide its future, which can only be defined by the 23 million people of the island.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has overseen an impressive military modernization program, including the development of stealth fighters and aircraft carriers, alarming many of his neighbors and the United States.

“I’m concerned, I think it’s clear to say that the United States is concerned about China’s modernization programs, and we’re also concerned about its behavior in the region,” Kendall said.

Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Chen Lin and Gerry Doyle in Singapore; Editing by Toby Chopra

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