Taipei, Jan. 2 -- China's recent live-fire military exercise has heightened strains between Taiwan and Beijing. The United States stepped in earlier this week, calling on China to reduce its military pressure campaign against Taiwan, Focus Taiwan reported.

"China's military actions and statements toward Taiwan and other regional actors unnecessarily raise tensions," said Tommy Pigott, the U.S. State Department's principal deputy spokesperson, on Thursday, according to Focus Taiwan.

"We call on Beijing to show restraint, halt its military intimidation of Taiwan, and pursue meaningful dialogue instead," Pigott stated.

"The United States remains committed to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and rejects any unilateral attempt t...