Taiwan says China has sent naval ships into nearby waters ahead of anticipated drills

BEIJING (AP) — China’s military appears to be preparing for widely anticipated drills in response to a recent visit by Taiwan’s president to Hawaii and Guam. Taiwan’s defense ministry said Monday that it has detected Chinese naval and coast guard ships entering the Taiwan Strait and the western Pacific and that China had restricted airspace along its southeast coast through Wednesday. It comes as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said he would not commit to defending Taiwan if China were to invade during his presidency. The Chinese government claims Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes American support and military sales to the self-governing island.