Chinese military presence lingers near Taiwan after large-scale drills.

Chinese military aircraft and ships are still present around Taiwan despite Beijing announcing the end of its three-day military drills. Taiwan's defense ministry reported nine Chinese ships and 26 aircraft, including J-16 and Su-30 fighters, conducting combat readiness patrols around the island. Taiwan's air force, navy, and land-based missile crews are monitoring the situation. The drills began as Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen returned from a trip to the US, where she met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers. The White House is confident it can protect American interests in the Indo-Pacific as the Chinese military surrounds Taiwan.