TAIWAN: US Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan and her speech at the Taiwanese Parliament has triggered fears of potential military retaliation from China. On Wednesday, China summoned the American envoy in Beijing and lodged a solemn protest warning Washington that it would “pay the price” for its “mistakes” and asked it to stop interfering with the Taiwan issue to control China in any form.
Meanwhile, Pelosi delivered remarks in a press meet in Taipei that the US pledges solidarity and support for Taiwan’s democracy but does not want anything to happen to Taiwan by force. Pelosi said, “We want Taiwan to always have freedom with security; we are not backing away from that.” Earlier, at a speaking event with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, Pelosi said, “Now more than ever, America’s solidarity with Taiwan is crucial; that’s the message we bring today.”
Pelosi’s visit triggered a stern response from China, which lashed out at China’s complete indifference to the Taiwan visit in April, which included delegates like US senators Lindsey Graham, Bob Menendez, Richard Burr, Ben Sasse, Rob Portman, and Ronny Jackson. “They didn’t say anything when the men came,” Pelosi remarked regarding the senators mentioned above.
On the Chinese front, the implementation of punitive measures is well underway. On Wednesday, China banned imports of some Taiwanese food products and suspended the export of natural sand.
A Chinese official body named The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State announced punitive measures on organizations related to die-hard elements seeking “Taiwan independence”.
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