US ambassador to China David Perdue on Tuesday reaffirmed the Quad’s commitment to a “free and open” Indo-Pacific after meeting ambassadors from other Quad partners - Australia, India and Japan - in Beijing, as China continues to carry out large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, escalating regional tensions.

In a post on X, Perdue described the grouping as “a force for good” and stressed that the partnership and cooperation among the four countries remains strong.

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“The Quad is a force for good working to maintain a free and open Indopacific. It is always great to meet with the Quad Ambassadors here in Beijing. The US-Australia-India-Japan relationship continues to be strong,” he said.

Meeting amid heightened military activity

The meeting took place a day after China launched a large inter-service joint military exercise around Taiwan, increasing the geopolitical temperatures in the region.

Beijing claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory.According to China Daily, citing the people’s liberation army (PLA), the exercise - codenamed “Justice Mission 2025” - involves coordinated participation by ground forces, the air force, navy, missile units and other branches under the PLA eastern theatre command.Senior colonel Shi Yi, the command’s spokesperson, said the drills include air and maritime patrols, simulated strikes against hostile targets, blockades of key ports and areas, and deterrence operations, aimed at testing joint combat and integrated operational capabilities.

Taiwan condemns drills

Taiwan strongly criticised the exercises, calling them destabilising. “We strongly condemn the PRC’s irrational provocations and oppose the PLA’s actions that undermine regional peace,” Taiwan’s ministry of national defence (MND) said in a post on X, adding that Rapid Response Exercises were underway.

Taiwan conducted its own “Rapid Response Exercise” to monitor developments. “Joint sea and air operations with all services and the Taiwan coast guard remain on high alert,” the MND said.

Lt Gen Lien Chih-wei, Taiwan’s deputy chief of general staff for operations and planning, described the PLA’s actions as “irresponsible,” according to Focus Taiwan, and said Taiwan had put in place rules of engagement and authorisation procedures to manage any escalation.Taiwanese defense minister Wellington Koo on Tuesday said, “the PLA’s provocative actions threaten regional stability and civilian traffic.”

Surge in PLA activity reported

Taiwan’s defence ministry also reported a sharp spike in Chinese military activity. “130 PLA aircraft, 14 PLAN vessels and 8 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6.00 am (local time) today,” it said on X, noting that 90 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s air defence identification zone.