U.S. calls China's military action over Taiwan unjustified, Beijing sanctioning Pelosi

China's firing of missiles during military drills around Taiwan was an unjustified escalation, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, as Beijing said it would impose sanctions on House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi for visiting the island.

Diplomatic relations spiralled further downward on Friday, as China's foreign ministry followed up by saying it would cancel dialogues between U.S. and Chinese military leaders, and suspend bilateral talks on climate and maritime safety.

Blinken said Washington has made it repeatedly clear to Beijing it does not seek a crisis, as diplomatic...