China halts climate talks, military ties with U.S. over Pelosi's Taiwan visit

China said Friday said it is canceling or suspending negotiations with the U.S. on climate change, military relations and other key issues in response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit this week to Taiwan, according to news reports.

China threatened retaliation almost immediately after Pelosi announced her visit weeks ago.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has increasing tried to enforce that position as the island tries to exert its independence. 

China on Thursday launched threatening military exercises off Taiwan’s coasts that it vows to run through Sunday, according to the Associated Press.

Missiles have also been fired over Taiwan, defense officials told state media. China routinely opposes the self-governing island having its own contacts with foreign governments, but its response to the Pelosi visit has been unusually strong, the wire service also reports.

China's Foreign Ministry said dialogue between U.S. and Chinese regional commanders and defense department heads would be canceled, along with talks on military maritime safety.

The ministry also said cooperation on returning illegal immigrants, criminal investigations, transnational crime, illegal drugs and climate change will be suspended, the wire service also reports.