US urges China to show restraint amid Taiwan drills

China has carried out a second day of naval drills around Taiwan, as tensions continue to mount after President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the US last week.

The drills - which Beijing has called a "stern warning" to Taipei - have used naval and air forces to simulate the encirclement of the island.

Taiwan said dozens of Chinese jets flew sorties around the island on Sunday, while nine ships were also spotted.

The operation, dubbed "Joint Sword" by Beijing, will continue until Monday.

Taiwanese officials have been enraged by the operation, and on Saturday defence officials in Taipei accused Beijing of using Ms Tsai's visit - where she met with US House speaker Kevin McCarthy - as an "excuse to conduct military exercises, which has seriously undermined peace, stability and security in the region". read more