Part 11/14:
Beijing’s official statements blame Taiwan and its foreign allies for provocation, accusing the island of destabilizing the region. However, U.S. defense secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed America’s commitment to Taiwan's security, warning against unilateral changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Reports suggest Beijing’s tactical goal is to project dominance along the first island chain—stretching from Okinawa through Taiwan to the Philippines—and to send a clear signal to the incoming U.S. administration.