China launches military drills around Taiwan after US House speaker meeting

The report detailed the type of weapons China would use, which included long-range rocket artillery, naval destroyers, missile boats, air force fighters, bombers, jammers and refuellers.

The United States has been ambiguous on whether it would militarily defend Taiwan, although for decades it has sold weapons to Taipei to help its self-defence.

China views democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to seize it one day, by force if necessary.

The drills also follow the departure from Beijing of the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and EU chief, Ursula von der Leyen, who were in China to urge Xi Jinping to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

McCarthy, who is second in line to the US presidency, had originally planned to go to Taiwan himself.

The decision to meet in California instead was viewed as a compromise that would underscore support for Taiwan but avoid inflaming tensions with Beijing.

A handful of cargo ships cruised through the waters near the coastline, while tourists snapped selfies on viewing platforms.