U.S. Accuses China of "Unnecessarily" Raising Taiwan Tensions

The United States has criticized China's recent military exercises around Taiwan, saying they have dangerously increased regional tensions. A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated the drills were done "unnecessarily." The U.S. called on Beijing to stop its military pressure on Taiwan. China claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory. It often holds military activities nearby to show its opposition to any move by Taiwan toward formal independence. The U.S. response highlights ongoing friction between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan. The U.S. maintains a policy of supplying Taiwan with defensive weapons, which angers China.