China warned on Thursday that it would take strong action if US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan, adding that such an action would severely affect relations between the countries. According to sources, Pelosi plans to travel to the territory next week.
China considers Taiwan its own territory and the issue is a constant source of friction between Beijing and Washington, due to the strong US military and political support for the island.
The possible visit has not been confirmed by Pelosi’s office or the Taiwanese government, but some Japanese and Taiwanese media outlets have reported that the trip will take place after the Democrat visits Japan this weekend.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that Beijing was firmly opposed to all forms of official interactions between the United States and Taiwan, and that Washington should cancel the trip.
The consequences of any visit would be caused by the United States, Lijian added, without elaborating.
Sunday marks the 43rd anniversary of the signing of the US-Taiwan Relations Act, which guides ties in the absence of formal diplomatic relations and enshrines the US commitment to providing the island with the means to defend itself.
The last time a speaker from the House visited Taiwan was in 1997, when Newt Gingrich met then-President Lee Teng-hui. Pelosi, a longtime critic of China, particularly on human rights issues, held a virtual meeting with Taiwan’s Vice President William Lai in January.
The US Speaker of the House is one of the Democratic Party’s most prominent politicians and is second in the US presidential line of succession after Vice President Kamal Harris.
Source: CNN Brasil
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