"Biden Admin Urges China to Halt Taiwan Drills Amid Rising Tensions"

The U.S. State Department expressed deep concern over China's military drills in the Taiwan Strait, urging restraint to avoid escalation. The drills, which included simulated attacks and ship boardings, were condemned by Taiwan as provocative. China launched the exercises following the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing labels a separatist.