TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Philip Davidson expressed concern Tuesday over the presence of Chinese naval forces in the Taiwan Strait, and Beijing’s reluctance to renounce the use of force in potential unification procedures.

Davidson also stated China’s “One County, Two Systems” proposal does not reflect the wishes of both sides.

The admiral made the comments in a testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, CNA reports.

Davidson expressed the U.S. and Taiwan share the common values of freedom, democracy and the liberal economy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law. He reaffirmed that the U.S. maintains solid, unofficial support for Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Three Communiques signed between the U.S. and China.

He wrote that the U.S. continues to support a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues in a manner, scope and speed acceptable to both sides.

Beijing continues to economically restrict and isolate Taiwan in the international arena, Davidson added. The Chinese government attempts to limit Taiwan’s international participation, pressure international allies to sever ties, and pressure businesses to remove references to Taiwan from websites and publications.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping said in his New Year address to Taiwan that China does not pledge to renounce the use of force and retains the right to use all necessary measures to ensure unification. Davidson expressed concern that the true capabilities of China’s military forces remain unknown.

The U.S. hopes both sides can continue high-level exchanges and interactions, Davidson said, so constructive dialogue on the basis of dignity and respect can be established.