Pelosi's Taiwan plans: "There is no reason for Beijing to turn a possible visit into a crisis"

Enlarge image

US Democrat Pelosi in Washington

Photo:

MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPO

The US government sees no change in the long-standing US China policy in a possible visit to Taiwan by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"Nothing has changed in our one-China policy," National Security Council communications director John Kirby said at the White House.

"There is no reason for Beijing to turn a possible visit, consistent with longstanding US policy, into a crisis or conflict."

The US would not engage in "saber rattling," Kirby said.

»But at the same time we don't let ourselves be intimidated.«

As part of its one-China policy, the US does not maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but regards Beijing as China's legitimate representative.

Pelosi wants to continue her Asia trip on Tuesday.

The 82-year-old did not publish an exact travel plan.

The top politician started her journey on Monday in Singapore.

Other announced stops are Malaysia, Japan and South Korea.

It remained unclear whether Pelosi would also travel to Taiwan despite warnings from China.

Beijing had threatened the United States with consequences in this case.

A visit by the US's No. 3 would be the highest-ranking US visit to Taipei in decades.

Kirby stressed it was up to Pelosi to confirm a possible visit.

The US Democrat has long planned to visit Taiwan to take a stand against the threats from Beijing.

China's communist leadership regards Taiwan as part of the People's Republic and firmly rejects official contacts from other countries to Taipei.

On the other hand, Taiwan, which has a population of 23 million, has long considered itself independent.

The US broadcaster CNN, citing a Taiwanese and an American government official, reported that a visit to Taiwan was "expected".

The Pentagon is monitoring Chinese movements and working "around the clock" on plans for Pelosi's security.

China's UN Ambassador Zhang Jun reiterated on Monday that a visit to Taiwan by Pelosi would undermine US-China relations and would be a provocation.

Will a British delegation follow suit?

Meanwhile, Britain is also apparently planning to send a high-ranking delegation to Taiwan, despite Chinese threats.

The Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament wants to visit the island republic in November or December, the Guardian reported, citing unspecified sources.

Initially, no comments were available from the committee or from representatives of Taiwan.

mkl/dpa