China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations warned the US against the consequences of Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan
Washington should understand the consequences of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, as it will undermine relations between China and the United States. China’s permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun, said this at a press conference on August 1.
“It will undermine relations between the countries. We are fiercely opposing any separatist movement in the context of Taiwan, as well as interference in China’s internal affairs,” he said.
Jun stressed that the issue of China’s territorial integrity is acute for the country, represents a “red line” that the Chinese side “will not allow anyone to cross”.
Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said Beijing should behave responsibly and not create tension if US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan. He said Pelosi has the right to make her own decision regarding her visit to the island as the US Congress is an independent entity.
John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council (NSC) of the White House, said at the briefing that if Pelosi does visit Taiwan, this fact will not change anything regarding the “one-China” policy pursued by the USA. He stressed the importance of maintaining the status quo in the region.
Earlier on Monday, the Taiwanese news portal ETtoday reported that Pelosi would visit Taiwan on August 2 and would meet with the island’s chief of staff Tsai Ing-wen the following day.
Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post wrote the day before that US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan may be limited to a stay in the airport transit area.