China says its military is conducting live-fire military maneuvers in the vicinity of Taiwan, coinciding with the announcement of Nancy Pelosi's visit. Specifically, they are using artillery and fighter planes near the Pingtan Islands, the closest Chinese territory to the island of Taiwan. These maneuvers follow Xi Jinping's warning to the Speaker of the House of Representatives to suspend her visit to the democratic Taiwanese island.
Xi Jinping has demanded the president not interfere in China's dealings with Taiwan. He insists that visits by U.S. officials are an encouragement for Taiwan to make its de facto independence official. In fact, if the visit occurs, Nancy Pelosi could become the highest-ranking official to visit Taiwan since 1997.
In addition, China's Defense Ministry has added that its military wing will employ "tough measures" to curb pro-independence activities. In view of this, the navy is moving troops to the ocean area near Taiwan ahead of the visit. It is the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, which is already in the South China Sea.
Nancy Pelosi's trip to Taiwan, against Biden's views
Pelosi's visit to Taiwan contravenes the Biden Administration's direction, to the point that it is unclear whether it will take place. The Speaker herself has communicated via Twitter that her visit to the region will include stops in Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, omitting mention of Taiwan.
I'm leading a Congressional delegation to the Indo-Pacific to reaffirm America's unshakeable commitment to our allies & friends in the region. In Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea & Japan, we'll hold high-level meetings to discuss how we can further our shared interests & values.
- Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 31, 2022
The Congressional delegation visiting the Indo-Pacific region is also composed of Gregory Meeks (chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee), Mark Takano (chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee), and Suzan DelBene, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Andy Kim.
