SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is reportedly preparing to embark on a trip to Taiwan for a visit that is drawing threats from the Chinese government.
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Pelosi is set to lead a congressional delegation to Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its own territory, in August, according to a report in the Financial Times.
The California Democrat was originally planning to take the trip in April, but had to reschedule after she contracted COVID-19. It would be the first such visit to the country for a House speaker in 25 years.
The visit is intended to show support for Taipei as it comes under mounting pressure from China, which has vowed to take control of Taiwan by force if necessary, the Financial Times reported. It also comes at a time when US-China relations are near their worst.
China, which recently demanded the U.S. cease military "collusion" with Taiwan and stop coming to its aid, threatened to take "resolute and strong measures" if Pelosi goes ahead with the trip.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijiang said a visit by Pelosi would "severely undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, gravely impact the foundation of China-U.S. relations and send a seriously wrong signal to Taiwan independence forces," The Associated Press reported.
"If the U.S. were to insist on going down the wrong path, China will take resolute and strong measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity," Zhao added.
Pelosi's office declined to comment on any travel plans, telling The Washington Post: "We do not confirm or deny international travel in advance due to long-standing security protocols."
Three people familiar with the situation told the Financial Times that the White House had expressed concern about the trip. Another person told the outlet it's possible the trip would fall through.
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