Despite China's Warning, US Pelosi's Taiwan Visit Imminent... White House "Will Take Safety Measures"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House and third in the U.S. power hierarchy, is expected to proceed with her visit to Taiwan this week despite strong opposition from China. The White House has confirmed that it will take necessary measures to ensure Speaker Pelosi's safety.

On the 1st (local time), major U.S. media outlets unanimously reported, citing U.S. Congress and Taiwanese officials, that Speaker Pelosi, who is touring the Indo-Pacific region, will visit Taiwan this week. If Speaker Pelosi visits Taiwan, she will be the highest-ranking official to do so since 1997. Previously, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich led a delegation to Taiwan during the Bill Clinton administration in 1997.

Currently completing her schedule in Singapore, Speaker Pelosi is expected to arrive in Taiwan on the night of the 2nd or the morning of the 3rd. Washington Post (WP) and CNN columnist Josh Rogin cited diplomatic sources on the day and tweeted that Speaker Pelosi is likely to visit Taiwan on the evening of the 2nd or the morning of the 3rd after visiting Malaysia. The Financial Times (FT) reported that on the 3rd, Speaker Pelosi will meet with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei.

Taiwan's Liberty Times also reported, citing sources, that Speaker Pelosi will visit the Legislative Yuan (parliament) on the morning of the 3rd. However, some Taiwanese media added that there is a possibility of last-minute changes to Pelosi's schedule.

Since news of Speaker Pelosi's planned visit to Taiwan emerged, China has strongly opposed it, citing violation of the "One China" principle. Military demonstrations such as live-fire exercises near Taiwan have also intensified. There are even suggestions of possible military actions, including deploying fighter jets to block landings. Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned in a call with President Joe Biden that "playing with fire will lead to being burned."

Currently, the U.S. emphasizes that this visit is at the congressional level, not the executive branch, but states it will take related preparations and measures.

John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications, appeared on CNN's "New Day" and said, "We want the Speaker to be safe during overseas trips and will ensure that." He added, "It is not uncommon for congressional leaders to visit Taiwan. China has no reason to make harsh statements or take any actions," emphasizing, "We should not be threatened by such rhetoric or potential actions."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking to reporters at the United Nations headquarters in New York, said, "We hope China acts responsibly and refrains from engaging in any escalation of tensions."