U.S.-China Tensions Rise as Pelosi Trip to Taiwan Looms on the Horizon

While everyone is awaiting an announced phone call between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping in the next few days, U.S.-China tensions are still at a high level with the continued intent by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhang Lijian reiterated today that there would be major repercussions if Pelosi should go to the island, an unprecedented visit by a high-level member of the U.S. government and the third in line of succession for the Presidency (after the President and Vice President). What the repercussions might be is anybody’s guess. Global Times’s commentator Hu Xijin mooted the possibility of a PLA jet accompanying Pelosi’s flight and then crossing the island on its return, which would be a dramatic statement.