In international news, Taiwan’s defense minister says tensions with China are at their worst in 40 years, flagging the risk of an accidental strike after China sent a record number of military planes into Taiwanese airspace over the past four days. Taiwan said China would be able to mount a “full-scale” invasion of Taiwan by 2025.
President Biden said Tuesday he spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping and both leaders agreed to adhere to an ongoing agreement between Beijing and Washington amid the mounting tensions. The Taiwan Relations Act directs the U.S. to recognize Beijing, rather than Taipei, as its diplomatic partner. The U.S. provides weapons to Taiwan but does not take a position on its sovereignty.