China's Military Drills Near Taiwan Raise Tensions and Concerns.

China has said that its recent air and sea drills simulating an encirclement of Taiwan were a "serious warning" to pro-independence politicians on the self-governing island and their foreign supporters. The drills were a response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California last week. China claims Taiwan as its own territory to be brought under its control by force if necessary and regularly sends ships and warplanes into airspace and waters near the island.