China has amplified warnings to the U.S. as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to visit Taiwan in August, according to reports.
The Financial Times reported on Sunday that China is threatening a military response to Pelosi’s visit, citing six people familiar with the situation.
While China has long insisted that Taiwan is a part of its territory, the U.S. has maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity — acknowledging Beijing’s claim but never endorsing it.
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian confirmed the report, saying: “We are seriously prepared.”
“The United States should be held responsible for any serious consequences,” he added.
When asked what specific actions China would take, Zhao said: “If the US side is bent on going its own way, China will take strong measures to resolutely respond and counteract.”
Foreign experts speculate that China could conduct a military exercise to intimidate the House Speaker or even attempt to prevent her plane from landing by declaring a no-fly zone over Taiwan.
The White House National Security Council and the State Department declined to comment on the report.
China has increased its military presence in the South China Sea where it has been constructing dozens of warships. Many fear that China’s dominance might allow it to coerce U.S. allies, endanger global maritime trade, and prevent American troops from entering the region.
Just hours after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine back in February, nine Chinese aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defense zone, prompting the country to scramble its air force to monitor further Chinese military activity.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen called for increased vigilance of military activities in response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, fearing that China might try to take advantage to move on the island.
President Joe Biden has already committed more diplomatic and security resources to Taiwan but Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Tan Kefei warned the U.S. that it would not tolerate any foreign interference.
“We urge the U.S. side to recognize the high sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs and stop playing with fire on the Taiwan issue,” said Kefei, when asked for comment about the Biden administration’s U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.
