‘Seriously doubt’ China’s increased military activity near Taiwan Strait means invasion imminent: Austin

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday he seriously doubted that ramped-up Chinese military activities near the Taiwan Strait were a sign of an imminent invasion of the island by Beijing. “We’ve seen increased aerial activity in the straits, we’ve seen increased surface vessel activity around Taiwan,” Austin said. “But whether or not that means that an invasion is imminent, you know, I seriously doubt that,” he added.