U.S. Says Chinese War Games Near Taiwan “Unnecessarily” Heightened Regional Tensions

The U.S. State Department has criticized China’s latest military exercises around Taiwan, saying the large-scale drills have “unnecessarily” escalated tensions in the region. In a statement on Thursday, principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott urged Beijing to “exercise restraint” and halt its military pressure on the self-governed island, calling instead for “meaningful dialogue.” He reaffirmed that the United States supports peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo through force or coercion.

The comments followed a two-day operation in which China launched missiles and deployed fighter jets, naval vessels, and coastguard ships in a show of force encircling Taiwan’s main island. Beijing said the exercises — code-named “Justice Mission 2025” — simulated a blockade of key Taiwanese ports. Taipei condemned the drills as “highly provocative,” while Chinese officials reiterated their claim that Taiwan is part of China and could be taken by force if necessary. The maneuvers mark the sixth major round of Chinese military activity near Taiwan since 2022.

Despite the heightened tensions, President Donald Trump said he was not concerned about the drills, suggesting he does not believe Chinese President Xi Jinping intends to launch an invasion. The exercises came shortly after the U.S. approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, part of Washington’s longstanding policy of supporting the island’s self-defense while remaining ambiguous about potential direct U.S. military involvement.

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