Biden says he and China's Xi have agreed to abide by Taiwan "agreement"

Between the lines: That's an apparent reference to a longstanding diplomatic understanding that the U.S. recognizes Beijing as the "sole legal government of China," without clarifying the United States' position on Taiwan's sovereignty, Bloomberg notes.

• The Chinese government sent a record 145 warplanes into the self-governing island's air defense zone during a four-day period this month.

The bottom line: "We made it clear that I don't think he should be doing anything other than abiding by the agreement," Biden said.

Meanwhile, a delegation of French senators arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday for a five-day visit, during which they will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen.

• Chinese government officials had urged the lawmakers to cancel the visit, AP notes.

The big picture: Taiwan separated from China in 1949 amid the Chinese Civil War and Beijing regards Taipei as a breakaway province.

• Taiwan's defense minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, told Parliament on Wednesday that the current crisis "is the most severe in the 40 years since I’ve enlisted," per AP.

Go deeper: Jake Sullivan to meet top Chinese diplomat as Taiwan tensions soar

Editor's note: This article has been updated with details of the senators' visit, Chiu's comment and further context.