The statement made by John Kirby at the White House press briefing room on August 4 was exactly right. China’s decision to launch 11 ballistic missiles last night was irresponsible and provocative. Add to that the Japanese Government’s expression of grave concern over China’s actions to undermine peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and it is clear that the U.S.-Japan Alliance will stand strong, shoulder-to-shoulder, to defend our interests and our values. As Speaker Pelosi said in Tokyo today, the visit of her delegation to this region was not designed to change longstanding U.S. policy; rather, it was to continue to promote freedom, openness, democracy, and the rule of law. China’s actions only demonstrate that they prefer conflict and coercion.
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