Biden administration urges Beijing to cease military pressure against Taipei

Washington, Jan. 23 (CNA) The new Joe Biden administration of the United States on Saturday called on China to stop its ongoing military coercion toward Taiwan while calling on both sides of the Strait to engage in peaceful dialogue.

The statement issued by the U.S. Department of State was released after 13 Chinese warplanes flew into Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Saturday, the highest number observed in a single day this year, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).

The U.S. "notes with concern" the pattern of ongoing PRC attempts to intimidate its neighbors, including Taiwan, according to a statement issued by State Department Spokesman Ned Price.

"We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan's democratically elected representatives," it said.

"We will stand with friends and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values in the Indo-Pacific region -- and that includes deepening our ties with democratic Taiwan," it added.

The statement reiterated Washington's stance to support "a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, consistent with the wishes and best interests of the people on Taiwan."

Meanwhile, the statement added that the U.S. will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining "a sufficient self-defense capability," as outlined in the Three Communiqués, the Taiwan Relations Act, and the Six Assurances.

"Our commitment to Taiwan is rock-solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region," it concluded.

The statement was released less than a week after President Biden was sworn into office on Jan. 20.

On Saturday, Taiwan's Air Force scrambled fighter jets to monitor the Chinese aircraft, issuing radio warnings and mobilizing air defense assets until the planes left the ADIZ.

The intrusion on Saturday marks the 19th day in January that China's military has sent its aircraft to the nation's ADIZ as Beijing continues to intensify its military pressure toward Taiwan to show its dissatisfaction over the current Taiwanese administration's China policy and actions.

Update: 15 Chinese military planes enter Taiwan's ADIZ (Jan. 24) 

Beijing has accused President Tsai Ing-wen's administration of changing the status quo and suspects it of taking steps aimed at achieving formal independence.

Tsai and her party, meanwhile, have blamed the Chinese authorities of changing the status quo and jeopardizing stability in the region.