Biden says 'not worried' about Chinese drills, but concerned about scale

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden said on Monday he is "not worried" about Chinese military exercises near Taiwan that Beijing just extended, but expressed measured concern over the scope of drills.

"I'm not worried, but I'm concerned that they're moving as much as they are," Biden told reporters in Delaware before departing for Kentucky where he will tour the state's flood-ravaged eastern regions. "But I don't think they're going to do anything more than they are."

Earlier in the day, China said it is extending the military drills that were originally planned to conclude on Sunday.

In a statement, the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army said it will “continue drills in waters near Taiwan island, focusing on anti-submarine and air-to-ship strikes,” according to the Chinese state media.

China has fumed over US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, which occurred last week despite warnings from Beijing.

Beijing claims Taiwan as a "breakaway province," and sees visits to the island by foreign officials and dignitaries as a provocation, and a violation of the "one-China" policy.