Beijing threatens “resolute and strong measures.”
House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi is due to visit Taiwan in August. She was originally scheduled to visit the island nation in April but had to postpone the trip after testing positive for COVID-19.
China claims the island nation as its own territory and the Chinese foreign minister stated that China will take “resolute and strong measures” if Speaker Pelosi proceeds with her planned trip. He stated that relations with the U.S. would be deeply damaged by her visit.
Beijing has vowed to annex Taiwan by force if necessary and has backed that threat by flying warplanes near Taiwan airspace and holding military exercises based on invasion scenarios. China says those actions are intended to deter advocates of the island’s formal independence and foreign allies, primarily the U.S., from coming to its aid. It has been more than 70 years since the sides split in a civil war.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for Speaker Pelosi as the warning from China is assessed.
- For wisdom for Secretary Blinken as he heads U.S. diplomacy.
- For U.S. officials as they seek ways to support Taiwan without provoking China.
Sources: Wall Street Journal, New York Times
