Chinese navy ships reportedly remained in waters around Taiwan on Tuesday, a day after China said it had ended military exercises in the area. Chinese state media reported the ships continued to carry out “actual combat training” as of Tuesday morning, Reuters news agency reported. The military exercises which China said ended Monday were held in answer to a visit by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to the United States last week. During her visit, Tsai met with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles, California. China had warned the U.S. government not to permit Tsai to visit or meet with McCarthy. China sees such meetings as showing support for Taiwanese voters and politicians who support full independence for Taiwan. China considers Taiwan a rebel territory. Chinese officials have said the government plans to one day reclaim the territory and would use force to do so if necessary. Taiwan rejects China’s territorial claims.
