He recalled Beijing's statements about its readiness to use force to return Taiwan.
“From a strategic point of view, our attention is focused on maintaining stability and security in the entire region ... Therefore, our attention will continue to be focused on deterring potential hostilities and calling on both sides to resolve these issues peacefully,” TASS quoted Ryder as saying.
The American general added that the US policy towards China and Taiwan has not changed - Washington still adheres to the "one China" principle.
Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China is committed to peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but will not promise to renounce the use of force.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, said that sustainable peace in the Taiwan Strait will be established only after the island is reunited with the mainland.
He also stressed that the United States has no right to interfere in the Taiwan issue, since it belongs to China's internal affairs.