China rejected US claims that its military activities near Taiwan constitute escalating pressure, calling the characterization a "distortion." The Silicon Review reports on US China Relations. China rejected US claims that its military activities near Taiwan constitute escalating pressure on the democratically governed island, calling the characterization a "distortion" of its longstanding position on reunification. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing's actions are "legitimate and necessary" to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He accused Washington of "hype and distortion" designed to undermine regional stability and interfere in what China considers its internal affairs. "Taiwan has been an inalienable part of China since ancient times," Lin told a daily news conference. "The so-called 'escalating military pressure' is a distortion of facts. Our activities are defensive in nature and aimed at preventing any move toward formal independence." The statement came after a US defense official told reporters Tuesday that Chinese military incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone had increased 40% in the first quarter of 2026 compar...