Over three days, China’s military rehearsed blockades of Taiwan in response to the island’s leader meeting the US House Speaker last week, APA reports citing BBC News.
Washington criticised China’s display of firepower as disproportionate, while Taiwan President Tsai said it was “irresponsible” and she had the right to make visits to the US.
The US drills had been earlier planned.
Filipino and US officials say the drills show their commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region that is open and free.
Washington announced last month that their annual Balikatan exercise with the Philippines would be their largest ever – involving more than 17,000 troops, including 12,000 from the US.
The two week Balikatan operation will also see the two militaries execute a drill to blow up a mock target warship in the South China Sea – a move that could incur China’s wrath.
