Nancy Pelosi arrives in Singapore and keeps a mystery as to whether she will visit Taiwan

The president of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosimet with officials in Singapore on Monday, at the start of an Asian tour marked by the possibility of a stopover in Taiwan, which exacerbated tensions with China. But the legislator has not yet confirmed whether she will travel to Taipei or on her tour.

CNN reported on Monday that both US and Taiwanese officials indicated that Pelosi will travel to the island despite warnings from China and Pentagon fears that the trip could lead to a dangerous accident. The scale is not listed on the official tour schedule. And it would be the first time in 25 years that an MP has been to Taipei.

Pelosi met with the prime minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong with President Halimah Yacob and other cabinet members, the foreign ministry reported.

Lee applauded the U.S. announcement to strengthen engagement with the region, and the two sides discussed ways to deepen economic ties with initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, the ministry added in its statement.

Lee and Pelosi also discussed the war in Ukraine, tensions around Taiwan with Chinaand climate change, indicated the foreign ministry.

Lee “highlighted the importance of a stable US-China relationship for peace and the security of the region, ” he said, referring to the possibility of Pelosi going to Taiwan.

Over the weekend, Pelosi released a statement announcing his visit Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan to talk about trade, the coronavirus pandemic, climate change, security and “democratic governance”.

Pelosi has not confirmed the versions that It would stop in Taiwan, an island that China considers its territory. In a phone call last week with US President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that Washington should not meddle in the Taiwan issue.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian reiterated the warnings, saying that “there will be serious consequences if she (Pelosi) insists on the visit ”. She did not provide any details.

“We are fully prepared for any eventuality,” the spokesman said, “the People’s Liberation Army will not stand by. China will take strong and resolute measures to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Beijing is growing diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan. Threats of retaliation for a possible visit by Pelosi have ignited fears of a conflict that could disrupt global markets and supply chains.

US officials say they are not afraid that China will attack Nancy Pelosi’s plane if it travels to Taiwan. But the president of the US House of Representatives would enter one of the hottest spots in the world, where an accident, misstep or misunderstanding could endanger his safety. Therefore, the Pentagon is preparing plans for any eventuality.

With information from the Associated Press

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