In the tensions surrounding Taiwan, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, is expected in the democratic island republic on Tuesday, according to information from the parliament in Taipei. It would be the highest visit by an American politician to Taiwan, which Beijing’s communist leadership considers part of the People’s Republic of China, in a quarter of a century.
During the unannounced visit to Taipei, the top politician would ignore urgent warnings from Beijing, which also indicated possible military countermeasures.
First visit since 1997?
A Taiwanese lawmaker has confirmed that Pelosi can arrive in Taipei from Malaysia local time on Tuesday evening as part of her Asia tour. There could be a meeting with President Tsai Ingwen on Wednesday. However, according to US media reports, the itinerary is in flux as the Pentagon monitors all steps on the Chinese side and works “around the clock” to ensure the safety of the number three in the US, it said.
The US leader is also expected to meet with Parliament Vice President Tsai Chi-chang and members of the Legislative Council in Taipei, the Taiwan MP said. Parliament Leader You Shyi-kun was prevented from attending because he was in quarantine after a trip abroad. The Democrat’s visit would be the US’s highest visit to Taiwan since her former Republican predecessor Newt Gingrich in 1997.
Warnings from China
China’s head of state and party leader Xi Jinping warned US President Joe Biden about the visit in a phone call on Thursday: “Whoever plays with fire will die.” From the point of view of the Chinese leaders, Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic, although it was governed independently even before it was established in 1949. The island, which has a population of 23 million, has long considered itself independent. Citing its “One China Doctrine”, Beijing strongly rejects official contacts of other countries with the government in Taipei.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
