Taipei, June 12 -- A US official has urged China to halt its pressure campaign against Taiwan, while security experts warn that Beijing is increasingly relying on "grey zone" tactics as an alternative to direct military conflict, according to Taipei Times.

The Taipei Times reported that these comments came after Taiwan's Coast Guard expelled five Chinese vessels from restricted waters near the island.

The Chinese patrols were reportedly linked to Beijing's objections over ongoing maritime boundary discussions between Japan and the Philippines in waters east of Taiwan.

A spokesperson for the US Department of State told Taiwan's Central News Agency, as cited by Taipei Times, that Washington supports efforts by its allies Japan and the Ph...