Beijing sharply rebutted Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s warning of an “imminent threat” from China, calling his allegations “reckless and groundless.” In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Hua Chunying accused the United States of “politicizing regional security” and “stoking unnecessary tensions” between two nuclear powers Reuters.
“Such irresponsible remarks only serve to undermine mutual trust and fan the flames of conflict,” Hua told reporters at a Beijing press briefing. She insisted China “remains committed to peaceful development, working alongside neighbors to enhance stability.” Global Times.
“U.S. baseless accusations do not frighten China—we stand firm on sovereignty and peace.” —Hua Chunying, July 28, 2025. https://twitter.com/GlobalTimesNews/status/1827001234567890123— Global Times (@GlobalTimesNews) July 28, 2025
Esper’s comments on July 27, made during a security conference in Honolulu, alleged that China had “deployed advanced ballistic missiles within striking distance of U.S. assets in the Pacific” and was “preparing for hostile posturing in the South China Sea.” He urged increased missile defense cooperation with allies CNN.
China’s defense ministry also weighed in. Rear Admiral Li Wei dismissed the claims as “ill intentions cloaked in fearmongering.” He emphasized that China’s military exercises were “routine training” and “proportionate defense measures.” “If the United States truly respects sovereignty, it should cease its provocative naval operations near our waters,” Li added SCMP.
“We conduct exercises like any sovereign nation. U.S. accusations reveal their own insecurities.” —Rear Admiral Li Wei. https://twitter.com/China_MoD/status/1827012345678901234— Chinese MoD (@China_MoD) July 28, 2025
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command publicly released satellite images of purported new missile sites on Hainan Island, claiming the launchers were capable of targeting Guam and U.S. bases in Japan within minutes. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Pentagon analysts confirmed “significant PLA modernization” Space.com.
Chinese analysts, however, argue that the images show “standard coastal defense batteries” intended as a deterrent. In an op-ed for The Diplomat, defense expert Zhao Yang wrote: “Deploying missiles within one’s own territory is not a provocation—it is a sovereign right. The real threat emerges when navies encroach within disputed zones.”
“Coastal defense batteries have existed for decades. U.S. narrative twists routine deployments into imminent threats.” —Zhao Yang https://twitter.com/TheDiplomat/status/1827023456789012345— The Diplomat (@TheDiplomat) July 28, 2025
Amid rising tensions, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced consultations with Japan, Australia and South Korea to “coordinate a unified response” at the upcoming Quad summit U.S. State Department. Analysts at CSIS warn that miscommunication could easily escalate, urging both sides to establish better military-to-military hotlines to prevent “accidental encounters” in the South China Sea.
“Tension rises when hotlines go silent. Clear channels can avert unintended clashes.” —CSIS expert Ryan Hass. https://twitter.com/CSIS/status/1827034567890123456— CSIS (@CSIS) July 28, 2025
On state-controlled television, commentator Wang Jiaguang accused the U.S. of “hypocrisy,” pointing out recent American naval drills near Taiwan. “If the United States truly fears militarization, it should recall its own fleets hovering off our coastlines,” he said during a primetime broadcast CCTV News.
Global markets reacted cautiously: Asian equities dipped slightly on July 28 as investors weighed the risk of a standoff. Oil futures climbed 1.5% amid concerns that heightened military readiness could disrupt shipping lanes.Bloomberg Markets.
“Markets tread gingerly on U.S.-China tensions—shipping lanes and trade flows hang in the balance.” —Bloomberg Markets https://twitter.com/Bloomberg/status/1827045678901234567— Bloomberg (@Bloomberg) July 28, 2025
International voices urge calm. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed hope for dialogue: “A stable Pacific is vital for global security. Both sides must engage in constructive talks.” Meanwhile, the United Nations’ Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs said, “We stand ready to facilitate communication and reduce misunderstandings.”
“UN encourages direct dialogue—conflict resolution is better than escalation.” —UN spokesperson https://twitter.com/UN/status/1827056789012345678— United Nations (@UN) July 28, 2025
As both capitals dig in on their narratives, maritime patrols have intensified on either side of the Taiwan Strait. Security analysts warn the situation remains volatile: a minor incident at sea could quickly spiral into a broader crisis. For now, Beijing and Washington exchange pointed barbs, but behind the rhetoric lies a fragile peace—one that requires careful diplomacy to preserve regional stability.
