Tensions Rise as Taiwan Condemns China's Military Drills and US Promises Support

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen has criticized China's military exercises around the self-ruled island, calling them irresponsible and a threat to regional stability. Beijing wrapped up its war games, which simulated strikes on the territory of 23 million people, on April 10, but Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said that eight Chinese vessels continued to operate "in the waters surrounding Taiwan" on Tuesday morning. The drills began after Tsai returned home from a visit to Central America, during which she stopped over twice in the United States and held a high-profile meeting with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy.