It’s being reported this morning that Nancy Pelosi will visit Taiwan on her Asia trip despite Biden advising her not to over China’s threats.
She’s reported to be landing on Tuesday and the Department of Defense appears to be doing everything they can to keep her safe.
Here’s more via Newsmax:
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will visit Taiwan, despite threats from China, CNN is reporting.
The news network on Monday morning cited two unnamed sources, a senior government official from Taiwan and a U.S. official, that Pelosi plans to make a stop there with her delegation even though the Biden administration also has advised against it.
The official from Taiwan told CNN that Pelosi’s plans call for her to stay in Taiwan overnight, but it’s not clear when she would land in the country.
The U.S. official told CNN that Department of Defense officials are working to monitor Chinese movements in the region while securing a plan to keep the speaker safe.
The White House meanwhile did not comment to CNN Monday on whether the Pelosi stop had been confirmed.
Meanwhile, U.S. has been moving aircraft carriers, large planes, and other assets closer to Taiwan to create a buffer zone in anticipation of the Pelosi’s possible visit, according to reports from the region.
Nikkei Asia reported early Monday that while the U.S. military had been initially opposed to Pelosi visiting Taiwan it appears to be creating a buffer zone for Pelosi’s plane after China declared it would “never sit idly by” if she visits the island.
The Department of Defense has several aircraft carriers in the region already and more they can call on if needed:
Meanwhile, a reporter for the Taiwanese broadcasting network TVBS tweeted that Pelosi is expected to arrive in Taiwan Tuesday night, but did not name her sources.
Nikkei Asia is reporting that the naval assets in the region include the amphibious assault ship USS America, which has been forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, and the USS Ronald Reagan, returning to the South China Sea after its port call to Singapore last week. The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli is also near Okinawa.
In addition, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, Landing Helicopter Dock USS Essex, and 36 other warships, along with three submarines, are currently in Hawaii participating in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), an activity scheduled to end Thursday, the publication notes.
China is doubling down on their threat of ‘very serious consequences’ if Pelosi visits Taiwan:
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian issued a warning that there would be “very serious” consequences if Pelosi does end up in Taiwan.
“We would like to tell the United States once again that China is standing by, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will never sit idly by, and China will take resolute responses and strong countermeasures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Zhao said in the ministry’s daily briefing. “If she dares to go, then let us wait and see.”
As much as I despise Pelosi, this is an important trip for her to make. Taiwan is an ally and should be treated like one, despite China’s threats.
The fact that Biden is cowering and telling her not to go certainly isn’t helping matters because it makes the US look terribly weak. I’ve long suggested that China is just biding their time before they invade Taiwan because they know now is the best time with Biden is in the White House. He’s a coward and even with this trip, he’s sending them all the signals they need to green light an invasion in the future.
Sure, the DOD will move to protect our Speaker of the House but will Biden let them protect Taiwan if China were to invade next year? China knows the answer and would probably say ‘remember Afghanistan’.