On Tuesday, 2 August, China’s army promised to perform «focused military activities» in response to the visit of US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
«The Chinese People’s Liberation Army is on high alert and will take a series of targeted military operations in response to resolutely safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely thwart the interference by external forces and the separatist schemes for Taiwan independence,» announced spokesman for the Chinese army Wu Qian.
Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday evening despite China’s warnings.
The White House previously warned that China may respond to Pelosi’s visit with military provocations.
The television broadcast showed Pelosi arriving at Taipei Songshan Airport with US Air Force’s Boeing C-40C, where she was greeted by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan Joseph Wu.
After her arrival, Pelosi announced her visit demonstrates Washington’s strong commitment to supporting Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.
«The visit of our Congress’ delegation to Taiwan honours America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s dynamic democracy,» Pelosi reported.
At the same time, she said her visit does not go against official US «One China policy», which does not officially recognise Taiwan as an independent country.
China, however, considers Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan «extremely dangerous».
«This is a highly dangerous trick such as playing with fire and those playing with fire will get burned».
Beijing official media report that China’s fighter jets crossed the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday.
«China’s Su-35 fighter jets are crossing the Taiwan Strait,» China’s CGTN reported. No detailed information was provided.
China warned the US of the «very serious situation and consequences» if Pelosi travels to Taiwan for an unannounced visit.
On Monday Pelosi visited Singapore. On Tuesday she visited Malaysia. Her next destinations include Japan and South Korea.
Pelosi is the first highest-ranking US official to visit Taiwan in the past 25 years.
Taiwan and continental China are governed separately since 1949. Continental China considers Taiwan a part of its territory.