Tensions rise as China conducts military exercises near Taiwan.

China sent warships and fighter jets near Taiwan in retaliation for a meeting between the president of Taiwan and the US House speaker. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has threatened "resolute countermeasures" against any foreign officials who meet with Taiwanese officials. The US maintains informal and commercial relations with Taiwan and is required by law to ensure Taiwan has the means to defend itself from Beijing. The meeting between the Taiwanese president and the US House speaker is the latest to intensify already strained US-China relations.