Tensions between the United States and China have risen in recent days, with the latest flashpoint being the possibility of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visiting Taiwan.
While the exact date of Pelosi’s visit has yet to be announced, if it goes ahead, she will be the highest-ranking American legislator to visit Taiwan in the last 25 years. China, which considers the neighbouring island to be part of its territory, has threatened the United States with unspecified “strong measures” if Pelosi proceeds with her plans.
Tensions between the United States and China have risen in recent days, with the latest flashpoint being the possibility of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visiting Taiwan.
While the exact date of Pelosi’s visit has yet to be announced, if it goes ahead, she will be the highest-ranking American legislator to visit Taiwan in the last 25 years. China, which considers the neighbouring island to be part of its territory, has threatened the United States with unspecified “strong measures” if Pelosi proceeds with her plans.
The controversy comes at a time when the United States and China are at odds over a variety of economic and geopolitical issues, including the South China Sea dispute, the Russia-Ukraine war, and technological conflicts.
Here’s a quick primer on the latest squabble in the US-China relationship.
Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan was leaked?
According to the sources, Pelosi plans to visit Taiwan in August and will be accompanied by a delegation. According to the report, Pelosi will be the most senior US lawmaker to visit the island since Republican Newt Gingrich visited in 1997.
Pelosi had planned the trip in April but had to cancel it after contracting Covid-19. According to the report, three unnamed White House officials have expressed “concerns” about the trip because it coincides with the anniversary of the founding of China’s People’s Liberation Army on August 1.
China regards Taiwan, which is separated from mainland China by the Taiwan Strait, as a renegade province and has stated publicly that it intends to unite it with mainland China. Taiwan, on the other hand, considers itself an independent nation and has opposed China’s plans.
Meanwhile, the United States has a long-standing ‘One China’ policy that allows it to maintain an official relationship with China while also maintaining a close, albeit unofficial, allyship with Taiwan.
