The US politician has arrived in Singapore – and so far has avoided a clear denial about Taiwan.
(Photo: via REUTERS)
Beijing China has again warned the US of a “very serious situation and consequences” should US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi make an unannounced visit to Taiwan. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told the press in Beijing on Monday that such a visit would be “blatant interference in China’s internal affairs.”
“The Chinese side is fully prepared for any eventuality,” Zhao Lijian said of speculation that Nancy Pelosi could also visit Taiwan this week as part of her Asia tour. “The People’s Liberation Army will not stand by and the Chinese side will surely take vigorous and decisive action to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
China warns Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan
The first stop of their Asia trip in Singapore on Monday included talks with the government and a reception by the US Chamber of Commerce. Pelosi also wants to visit Malaysia, Japan and South Korea. While Taiwan is not on her officially announced itinerary, Chinese state media have expressed concern that she might ignore warnings from Beijing and go there anyway.
>> Read also: Fear of escalation with China: controversy over possible trip to Taiwan by Pelosi
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A visit by the 82-year-old would be the highest-ranking US visit to Taipei in decades. Nancy Pelosi is number three in the United States after the President and Vice President. China’s leadership regards Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic and rejects official contacts by its diplomatic partners with the government in Taipei. On the other hand, Taiwan, which has a population of 23 million, has long considered itself independent.
China & USA: Tensions in Taiwan higher than they have been for a long time
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has fueled fears that China could take the island’s democratic republic by force in a similar manner. Tensions around Taiwan have not been this high since the 1990s. China’s head of state and party leader Xi Jinping sees it as his mission to implement “unification” and threatens military conquest.
The USA, in turn, has committed itself to Taiwan’s ability to defend itself – which has so far mainly meant arms deliveries. However, President Joe Biden has gone further than his predecessors and has repeatedly called it a US “obligation” to defend Taiwan in the event of an attack by China.
More: “Whoever plays with fire will perish”: Xi warns Biden against interference in Taiwan conflict