China sent fighter jets toward Taiwan just days after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, according to the Taiwanese government.
"China's military announced the start of three-day 'combat readiness patrols' as a warning to Taiwan," according to Fox News.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported that China sent eight warships and 42 planes, including 29 of which flew into Taiwan's half of the Strait of Taiwan, which separates it from the mainland.
The People's Liberation Army, a Chinese military force, called this move a "serious warning."
"This is a serious warning against the collusion and provocation between the 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and external forces," the army said in a statement. The "Joint Sword" exercises "defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
The Chinese government has also imposed a travel ban and economic sanctions against American groups and individuals who were in some way associated with President Tsai's meeting.
Taiwan and the mainland have trade and investment ties, but they don't have official relations.
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