China Conducts Military Exercises That Simulate Comprehensive Encirclement of Taiwan

In response to the meeting of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives and the President of Taiwan, the self-governing island that China claims as part of its territory, Beijing sent warships and dozens of combat aircraft towards it today, Saturday, in comprehensive military exercises that simulate a complete encirclement of Taiwan.

And the Chinese army announced the start of "combat readiness patrols" through military exercises that simulate a complete encirclement of Taiwan.

The Chinese maneuvers last 3 days around the island.

The Chinese army revealed that the exercises will take place near the coast of Fujian Province, which faces Taiwan and will also conduct exercises around the strait from the north, south, and east.

The exercises are a "severe warning to Taiwanese separatists, because they collude with external forces," according to the Chinese army.

The President of Taiwan affirmed that her country "looks forward to developing security cooperation with the United States."

In doing so, McCarthy joined a series of foreign lawmakers who met with Tsai, to show support for Taiwan against China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's government has stepped up efforts to "frighten the island", by flying fighter jets and bombers nearby and firing missiles into the sea.