US still expects reaction from Beijing after Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan ()

Washington (dpa-AFX) – In response to US top diplomat Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, the government in Washington expects long-term reactions from China. “We expect them to respond over a long period of time,” National Security Council communications director John Kirby said Tuesday in Washington. He could not specify an exact time frame, but the US government expects Beijing to act after Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan – for example with military maneuvers or economic measures. So far, China’s response has been fully consistent with what the US government expected and predicted.

Kirby emphasized that the United States does not want a crisis, or engage in swordplay. However, the US government is ready to deal with anything the Chinese government takes. Referring to Pelosi, Kirby said US President Joe Biden respects her decision to visit Taiwan. He reiterated that Pelosi’s visit would not change America’s one-China policy.

Defying all threats from China, Pelosi visited Taiwan on Tuesday. The US House Speaker’s stay is the highest-profile trip from the United States to the island’s democratic republic in a quarter of a century. Beijing views Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic, strictly rejects official communications to Taipei from other countries and has strongly warned the US against Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.

China also strongly protested Pelosi’s visit immediately after landing. The Foreign Ministry in Beijing spoke of “a very dangerous game with fire”. China will “take all necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity”. Just before Pelosi landed, Chinese fighter jets flew over the Taiwan Strait sea route. In addition, China announced maneuvers with targeted practice in six maritime areas around the Democratic Island Republic./jac/DP/he