The Biden administration expressed deep concerns on Saturday over China’s extensive military drills in the Taiwan Strait, urging Beijing to exercise restraint. These drills, code-named Joint Sword 2024A, commenced shortly after Taiwan’s new pro-U.S. leader, President William Lai Ching-te, was inaugurated.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “The United States is deeply concerned over the People’s Liberation Army joint military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan. We are monitoring PRC activities closely and coordinating with allies and partners regarding our shared concerns.” Miller emphasized the risks of using Taiwan’s democratic transition as a pretext for military provocations, which could escalate tensions and undermine regional stability.

Beijing accused President Lai of escalating tensions with his inaugural address, where he asserted Taiwan’s sovereignty, describing it as a “sovereign, independent nation” and emphasizing that “sovereignty lies in the hands of the people.”

While the U.S. views Taiwan as a major ally, it does not recognize the island as a separate state from China. The Biden administration reiterated its commitment to the One China policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense criticized the Chinese exercises, stating they jeopardize regional peace and stability. The ministry declared on social media, “We seek no conflicts, but we will not shy away from one. We have the confidence to safeguard our national security.”

In his inauguration speech, Lai emphasized Taiwan’s role as a promoter of peace, maintaining the status quo without yielding or provoking. “The future of cross-strait relations will have a decisive impact on the world,” Lai said, highlighting Taiwan’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.

As tensions rise, the international community closely watches the developments, with the U.S. advocating for restraint to prevent further escalation.