Tensions rise as China responds to US-Taiwan political meetings.
China has launched three days of military exercises around Taiwan, dubbed "United Sharp Sword," in response to Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The drills are described as a "serious warning" against Taiwan's "collusion with external forces" and a move to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Taiwan's defense ministry has detected 42 Chinese warplanes over the Taiwan Strait and eight PLA vessels in the strait. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control.