China has a stern message for Pelosi.
On Thursday (April 7), China sent a warning to the U.S., stating that if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan that such a visit would affect Chinese-U.S. relations. The comments were made following reports that Pelosi would be visiting the nation in the coming week.
The friction between Beijing and Washington stems from the former’s belief that the democratically ruled Taiwan forms part of its territory.
Pelosi’s office or the Taiwan government is yet to confirm that the House Speaker would be visiting the nation; however, Japanese and Taiwanese media reported she would be visiting Taiwan after she visited Japan this weekend.
In response to these reports, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian revealed that China opposes any official communication between Taiwan and the U.S.
Lijian warned, “If the United States insists on having its own way, China will take strong measures in response to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. All possible consequences that arise from this will completely be borne by the U.S. side.”
Addressing the remarks, Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou only acknowledged that inviting U.S. dignitaries and officials to the country was always “an important part” of the ministry’s work. Ou added that at the appropriate time, the ministry would announce any visits.
These remarks come as Sunday (April 10) marks the 43rd anniversary of the U.S. signing into law the Taiwan Relations Act, which sets out the framework of relations between the country in the absence of any formal diplomatic relations.
The act also enshrines the United States’ commitment to providing Taiwan with what it needs to defend itself.
However, if Pelosi visits Taiwan, this will be the first time in nearly 25 years, as the last time a House Speaker visited the South East Asian nation was in 1997 when then-Speaker Newt Gingrich met then-President Lee Teng-hui.
