Taiwan Holds Drills, Says China Seeks Control Of Seas

PINGTUNG, Taiwan (AP) – Taiwan’s foreign minister says China aims to control the East and South China Seas via the Taiwan Strait, describing a greater ambition to upend the Asia-Pacific status quo and prevent nations from aiding the self-governing island. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu spoke Tuesday as Taiwan began live-fire military drills in response to ongoing Chinese exercises. China says its drills were prompted by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit, but Wu said that was a pretext. He said China aims to upend the status quo and annex Taiwan. Since Thursday, China has sent military ships and planes across the midline in the Taiwan Strait and launched missiles into waters surrounding the island. Beijing hasn’t said when the exercises will end.