Beijing considers self-ruled Taiwan its territory – to be seized one day, by force if necessary – and says it would regard a Pelosi visit as a major provocation.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi kicked off an Asia tour Monday that's been shrouded in secrecy following an escalation in tensions with China over Taiwan.
The Reuters news agency quotes Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian as saying Monday it would be"a gross interference in China's internal affairs" if Pelosi were to stop in Taiwan. He warned it would result in"very serious developments and consequences." "The trip will focus on mutual security, economic partnership and democratic governance in the Indo-Pacific region," her office said, referring to the Asia-Pacific.
Taiwan's 23 million people have long lived with the possibility of an invasion, but the threat has intensified under Chinese President Xi Jinping. Taiwan's government has remained silent on the prospect of a Pelosi visit and there's been minimal local press coverage.
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