Tensions in Taiwan: Nancy Pelosi heads to Asia

Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi confirmed her visit to Asia on Sunday, without mentioning a possible stop in Taiwan that could further sour relations between China and the US. “I am leading a congressional delegation to the Indo-Pacific region to reaffirm America’s steadfast commitment to its allies and friends in the Indo-Pacific region,” Pelosi said in a statement. “In Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, we will hold high-level meetings to discuss how to advance our common values ​​and interests, including peace and security, economic growth and trade. , covid-19 pandemic, climate. Crisis, human rights and democratic governance,” he added.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Ms Pelosi and her delegation will visit the city-state on August 1-2. The Speaker of the House of Representatives maintains ambiguity over a possible visit to Taiwan for security reasons. For weeks, tensions have been rising between the US and China, fueled by reports that China may move to the self-governing island, which it considers part of its territory.

Beijing will find a passage from the speaker of the House of Representatives on the island, even a brief one, a provocation. Washington does not have diplomatic relations with Taipei and recognizes the Communist regime in Beijing as China’s sole representative. But the US sells arms to the island and praises its “democratic” regime.

Nancy Pelosi’s visit comes amid rising military tensions in the region. Taiwan’s military held its biggest annual military drills this week, mocking Chinese attacks from the sea. , the US Navy said. On Saturday, in response, China conducted “live ammunition” military exercises in the Taiwan Strait.