China conducts drills around Taiwan during Scott visit

Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff
Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff

(Beijing) -- China is holding military exercises around Taiwan during a visit from a U.S. senator.

China's military says it recently held combat drills and readiness exercises in the sea and airspace around Taiwan.

A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman said the exercises were organized in response to "collusion and provocations" by the U.S. and Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory.

The military drills come as U.S. Senator Rick Scott visits Taipei to meet with the president of Taiwan. The Florida Republican sits on the Senate's Armed Services Committee.