WASHINGTON – US warned China on Monday not to react to a scheduled visit to Taiwan by Speaker Nancy Pelosi military provocations even as US officials seek to reassure Beijing that such a trip would not be the first of its kind and would not represent any change in the policy for the region.
With tensions rising along with Ms. Pelosi’s Asia tour, John F. Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, said the administration is concerned that China has the ability to fire missiles into the waist. Taiwan Sea, sending fighter aircraft into Taiwan’s air defense zone or stage. large-scale naval or air operations that cross the median line in the middle of the strait.
“There is no reason for Beijing to turn a potential visit in line with longstanding US policy into some sort of crisis or use it as an excuse to increase its active military activity in or around it. Taiwan Strait,” Mr. Kirby said at a press conference at the White House. . “Meanwhile,” he added, “our actions are not threatening and they do not create new ground. There is nothing about this potential visit – the potential visit – that in this way has precedent, will change the status quo. “
Mr. Kirby did not say whether US intelligence agencies had detected any specific indications of China’s actions, but he was unusually specific in charting possible responses. occurred as predicted by the United States. White House officials have expressed concern Pelosi’s visit will break a dangerous cycle of escalation in Asia and Washington is ready to assist Ukraine against Russian aggression.
In fact, he resolved moments of friction with Taiwan after the White House announced an additional $550 million in weapons to be sent to Ukraine, bringing the total to more than $8 billion since the invasion began in December. February and emphasize the level of US military-industrial capabilities. invest in the war in Europe.
Ms. Pelosi, a longtime China hawk, did not confirm that she plans to visit Taiwan even if she stops in Singapore on Monday, but all indications suggest she will make a stop on the island. self-governing without prior notice. She originally planned to visit Taiwan in April but postponed that trip after testing positive for coronavirus.
Mr. Kirby said U.S. officials do not necessarily anticipate a Chinese attack in response but warned that demonstrations of military force could trigger conflict by mistake. “It increases the risk of miscalculation, which can lead to unintended consequences,” Mr Kirby said.
He seems particularly intent on conveying the message to Beijing that it should not view any visit by Ms. Pelosi as a new provocation by the United States as she will not be the first to arrive. there; Speaker Newt Gingrich stopped in Taiwan in 1997. Mr. Kirby also repeatedly emphasized that the US still adheres to the one-China policy that does not recognize Taiwan’s independence.
“We’ve made it very clear if she goes – if she goes – it’s not without precedent,” he said. “It’s not new. It doesn’t change anything.”
