On a visit to Asia, the Speaker of the House of Representatives arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday. A casus belli that China will not let pass: The United States “will pay the price” warns Beijing.
This is a case that can get out of hand at any moment. Tensions are running high between China and the United States over Taiwan. Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei could be the dreaded small spark that sets off major armed conflicts.
A few days ago, Beijing did not hide its irritation. Xi Jinping clearly warned Joe Biden: “Those who play with fire will eventually get burned. China even announced military exercises with live ammunition as of July 30, 2022.
“Responding to the threat”
But the warning was not heeded. Nancy Pelosi, 82, who had postponed her trip initially planned in April because of Covid, finally took the plane to visit several countries in Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea…. The plane of the President of the US House of Representatives finally landed in Taipei, on August 2, 2022, around 10:30 pm local time. The Taiwanese authorities believe that “there is no reason for Beijing to make a crisis of this visit,” said the Taiwanese Minister of Defense on August 2, 2022. “We are meticulously preparing several plans and adequate troops will be deployed to respond (…) to the threat posed by the enemy” assures the ministry.
“Infringement of China’s sovereignty”
The Chinese do not appreciate this. As announced, they have carried out military maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait. They are determined, as Hua Chunying, spokeswoman for Chinese diplomacy, repeated on Tuesday: “They [the United States] will have to pay the price for their infringement of China’s sovereignty and security.
It is in this context of extreme tensions that Russia has accused, without laughing, the United States of wanting to “destabilize the world”.
In Fujan province, just across the border from Taiwan, many observers are seeing significant military movements. On Tuesday evening, twenty-one Chinese military aircraft violated Taiwanese airspace, just to show their muscle. A warning without cost, for the moment.
The slightest incident, the smallest accident could then degenerate into a real catastrophe.
Our delegation’s visit to Taiwan honors America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant Democracy.
Our discussions with Taiwan leadership reaffirm our support for our partner & promote our shared interests, including advancing a free & open Indo-Pacific region.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 2, 2022