US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi is due to arrive in Taipei on Tuesday, people familiar with the matter said, as several Chinese warplanes flew close to the midline dividing the country. Taiwan Strait, a source told Reuters.
China has repeatedly warned against Pelosi going to Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory, while the United States said on Monday it would not be intimidated by the Chinese “threat of war”.
In addition to Chinese planes flying close to the midline of the strait, several Chinese warships had been sailing close to the unofficial dividing line since Monday, the source told Reuters. The source claimed that both Chinese warships and aircraft “squeezed” the median line on Tuesday morning, an unusual move that the person described as “very provocative”.
The Chinese aircraft repeatedly performed tactical movements of briefly “touching” the median line and circling back across the strait on Tuesday morning, while Taiwanese aircraft were on standby nearby, the person said.
Chinese planes left the area in the afternoon, but the ships remained, according to the source.
Aircraft from either side normally cross the midline.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said in a statement that it is fully aware of military activities near Taiwan and will deploy forces appropriately in reaction to “enemy threats.”
China’s Defense and Foreign Ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen, which faces Taiwan and is home to a large military presence, residents reported moving armored vehicles on Tuesday and posted photos online, which Reuters could not immediately verify.
Wednesday’s Meetings
Most of Pelosi’s planned meetings, including with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, were scheduled for Wednesday, said a person familiar with her itinerary.
Four sources said Pelosi is expected to meet with a group of activists who speak openly about China’s human rights record on Wednesday afternoon.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pelosi visited Malaysia, having kicked off her Asia tour in Singapore on Monday. Her office said she would also go to South Korea and Japan, but did not mention a visit to Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said it had no comment on Pelosi’s travel plans.
China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its opposition to a visit by Pelosi to Taiwan.
Source: CNN Brasil
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