Pelosi's trip to Taiwan is being swayed by the Biden administration's efforts to warn her of the dangers

Updated on July 27, 2022 17:43 PM by Andrew Koschiev

National security authorities

National security authorities are working behind the scenes to persuade Nancy Pelosi that a trip to Taiwan during a tense period between the island's self-government and China may be dangerous.

There are reports that she is planning to visit in the next few weeks as part of a larger tour to Asia, and she has asked both parties to join her. House Speakers haven't visited in 25 years, so if she visits, she'll be the first.

China's rhetoric and aggressive actions against Taiwan

As China's rhetoric and aggressive actions against Taiwan have increased in recent months, including deploying airplanes into Taiwan's self-declared air defense identification zone many times, President Joe Biden's administration is concerned. Officials in the United States are worried that China may take even more extreme measures to impose its authority over the island in the coming months.

Response to the West's response to Russia's actions

Biden and other senior officials are closely monitoring China's response to the West's response to Russia's actions in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine, which has further exacerbated their concerns.

Geopolitical tensions

Also adding to the geopolitical tensions is the rumor that China's President Xi Jinping, with whom Vice President Biden is scheduled to meet this week, is preparing for a historic third term as president in the autumn. Vice President Biden spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping before Pelosi's possible Taiwan travel was made public, sources said.

Congressional officials

Congressional officials have expressed their fears about Pelosi's safety as well as China's response to such a high-profile trip. In light of China's worst economic performance in two years, Xi is in a politically delicate position ahead of a key discussion on extending his reign, according to various officials.

Biden's advisers

Despite the fact that Biden's advisers have some ideas for how he may reply, they are unsure of the course that the Chinese leader would select.

Congressional delegation trip to Taiwan

With that backdrop, Pelosi has suggested a congressional delegation trip to Taiwan, which she has so far failed to acknowledge publicly. China, on the other hand, has reacted angrily, claiming that a visit to the island would break US policy.

"Foreign forces"

When confronted with "foreign forces" advocating Taiwan independence, China's military will "resolutely safeguard national sovereignty," according to the country's Ministry of National Defense.

Ministry of Défense

According to Ministry of Defense Spokesperson Tan Kefei, "China demands the United States take real efforts to fulfill its vow not to promote Taiwan independence and not to arrange for Pelosi's Taiwan trip," in response to queries about Pelosi's rumored trip.

Chinese military officials warned that if the United States continues on its current track, they will not sit idly by and will likely take serious measures to resist any outside intervention or attempts by separatists to achieve 'Taiwan independence.'

The White House

The White House said Tuesday that because Pelosi is in the line of succession, the government takes extra precautions when she goes abroad. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said this means setting up a military presence on the ground, sometimes employing military resources to do so.

In spite of Pelosi's repeated denials that she planned to fly to Taiwan, Kirby asserted, "We take those commitments seriously.

China doesn't separate Pelosi from Biden

Administration officials are concerned that China doesn't separate Pelosi from Biden much, if at all. China may be confusing Pelosi's visit with an official administration visit since she and Biden are both Democrats. White House officials were also present for the briefing.

Encouraged Pelosi to go ahead

A number of Republicans have encouraged Pelosi to go ahead with the trip, saying it would be a strong stand against China. Biden looks for stability

Biden administration officials

Biden administration officials are concerned that China could declare a no-fly zone over Taiwan ahead of a possible visit by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The administration has not, and does not, plan to officially tell the speaker not to travel to Taiwan. People familiar with the matter say their hope is to quietly convince Pelosi of the risks without explicitly telling her to go.