House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) released a formal itinerary for her Asia trip, including stops in Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, but left out any mention of a stop in Taiwan.
Pelosi is leading a congressional delegation to the region and had reportedly been weighing whether to make a visit to the self-governing island of 24 million people, which remains disputed between its government and that of mainland China.
CHINESE MOUTHPIECE THREATENS SEVERE CONSEQUENCES ON TAIWAN IF PELOSI VISITS
“In Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, our delegation will hold high-level meetings to discuss how we can further advance our shared interests and values, including peace and security, economic growth and trade, the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, human rights and democratic governance,” Pelosi said in a statement. “Under the strong leadership of President Biden, America is firmly committed to smart, strategic engagement in the region, understanding that a free and flourishing Indo-Pacific is crucial to prosperity in our nation and around the globe.”
Speculation surrounding Pelosi stopping in Taiwan drew fire from a Chinese state media figure, warning that China will carry out “severe punishment” on Taiwan if Pelosi stops for a visit.
“If Pelosi really visits Taiwan as planned, the Tsai Ing-wen authorities are accomplice. The mainland will definitely carry out severe punishment actions on Taiwan at the same time. The unbearable consequences will fall on Tsai authorities,” wrote Hu Xijin, a commentator for China’s state-affiliated Global Times.
Meanwhile, Biden and other administration officials have said that the decision is up to Pelosi while noting that the military was concerned by it.
Traveling with Pelosi are Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA); Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL); and Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ).
The delegation has already made a brief fuel stop in Hawaii, where they visited the Pearl Harbor Memorial and USS Arizona.
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The group is expected to focus on strengthening economic and security partnerships overseas, as well as the “democratic governance in the Indo-Pacific region,” according to Pelosi’s press release.
