China's ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian has blamed the United States for escalating tensions in Taiwan Strait as his nation conducts live-fire drills near Taiwan after a visit from US house speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"It is the US side that should and must take full responsibility for the escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait. China is compelled to take counter-measures to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity which is legitimate and justified," he said.