China moves warships after US hosts Taiwan's Tsai

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BBC News

 

China has launched military drills in response to a much-anticipated meeting between Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

They met in California on Wednesday, a week after President Tsai was feted in New York with a leadership award.

Ms Tsai hailed their "strong and unique partnership", and Mr McCarthy said that arms sales to Taiwan must continue.

Beijing, in turn, has vowed a "resolute response" and sent warships into the waters around the self-governed island.

Taiwan, it appears, is caught in the middle of a dangerous love triangle.

The timing of Ms Tsai's visit is hardly a coincidence. In the US there is deep and growing hostility to China. And this is driving ever more open displays of support for Taiwan, with Democrats and Republicans competing to out-do each other.