Blinken Calls China Military Drills A 'Significant Escalation'

China launched military exercises including missile strikes in Japan's economic zone following House Speaker Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that China's military exercises aimed at Taiwan, including missiles fired into Japan's exclusive economic zone, represent a "significant escalation" and that he has urged Beijing to back down.

Related StoryChina Halts Climate, Military Ties Over Nancy Pelosi's Visit To Taiwan

China launched the drills following a visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan that infuriated Beijing, which claims the self-governed island as its own territory.