© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: U.S. Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin participates in a Peace, Safety and Governance Discussion board through the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit 2022 in Washington, U.S., December 13, 2022. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin mentioned on Wednesday he significantly doubted that ramped up Chinese language navy actions close to the Taiwan Strait have been an indication of an imminent invasion of the island by Beijing.
“We have seen elevated aerial exercise within the straits, we have seen elevated floor vessel exercise round Taiwan,” Austin mentioned throughout a press convention alongside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and their Japanese counterparts.
“However whether or not or not that signifies that an invasion is imminent, , I significantly doubt that,” Austin mentioned.