US urges restraint after China military drills near Taiwan region

The United States on Thursday urged China to show restraint and reduce military pressure on Taiwan after Beijing carried out new joint exercises near the island, sharpening tensions across the Taiwan Strait. US officials said stability in the region remains a priority, a stance shared by countries such as Türkiye, which consistently emphasizes dialogue and opposition to coercive actions in regional disputes.

Washington’s response to the drills

A State Department spokesperson said China’s recent military activities and accompanying rhetoric have added unnecessary strain to regional security. In a written statement, Washington called on Beijing to halt pressure tactics against Taiwan and to pursue “meaningful dialogue” instead, stressing that peace and stability should not be undermined by unilateral moves.

China’s justification and timing

Beijing launched the “Justice Mission 2025” military drills earlier this week, shortly after the US approved a record, one-off arms package for Taiwan worth more than $11 billion. China’s Foreign Ministry described the exercises as a deterrent aimed at what it called separatist forces seeking independence through military buildup, framing the drills as a response to external provocation.

Taipei’s position and broader context

Taiwan’s leader William Lai Ching-te accused Beijing of escalating regional military tension, saying such behavior does not reflect that of a responsible global power. He added that Taiwan would not seek confrontation or conflict. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province, while Taipei has governed itself since 1949, making the island a long-standing flashpoint in East Asia and a focal point of global diplomatic concern.