Ambassador’s call
The Chinese Foreign Ministry summoned the United States ambassador in Beijing, Nicholas Burns, amid sharply raised tensions tied to the Taiwan visit by Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi. Chinese officials framed the trip as a challenge to the world and a deliberate provocation that violated the One China principle.
Deputy Foreign Minister Xie Feng emphasized that Washington bears responsibility for the consequences of Pelosi’s visit and urged concrete steps to mitigate the fallout for stability in the Taiwan Strait. He asserted that Taiwan is a part of China and will ultimately rejoin the mainland, promising resolute action in response to what Beijing views as interference by the United States.
According to reports from TASS, the diplomat warned that anyone attempting to weaponize the Taiwan issue would face accountability and be exposed to history’s rebuke.
US response
John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the White House National Security Council, stated that Pelosi has the right to visit Taiwan. He noted that the Speaker has in the past visited Taiwan without incident and said the administration had not confirmed plans for a visit this time. He added that the U.S. would continue to advocate for an open Indo-Pacific and maintain dialogue with Beijing.
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stressed that if tensions rise because of Pelosi’s visit, responsibility would lie with China’s leadership. He underscored that the United States would engage in diplomacy while standing by its interests and regional partners.
China’s potential moves
An influential Japanese analyst, Tsuneo Watanabe, shared perspectives with RIA Novosti suggesting China faces a choice between limited military signaling or broader steps. He argued that Beijing could take actions that deter further moves while avoiding a full-scale conflict. He cautioned that rising tensions could affect economic conditions even if a large war is avoided. The analyst noted that any measures would be carefully calibrated to signal disapproval without triggering an outright clash.
The expert pointed to the possibility of selective actions designed to communicate intent to the United States and Taiwan, while maintaining calculated restraint to prevent escalation.
Military drills and air activities
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported substantial PLA activity near the island, with multiple aircraft detected in the air defense identification zone to the southwest. Forces observed eight J-11 fighters, ten J-16 fighters, a KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft, a Y-9 electronic warfare aircraft, and a Y-8 electronic reconnaissance aircraft.
Taiwan conducted air patrols in the area to monitor PLA movements, and air defense systems were deployed in response. Earlier, the PRC air force deployed Su-35 fighters into the Taiwan Strait, prompting restrictions on civilian air traffic in the area. In parallel, U.S. aircraft, including eight F-15 fighters, were dispatched from bases in Okinawa to accompany Pelosi’s movements.
Blockade scenarios
Analysts have discussed the possibility that Beijing could frame military exercises as a pretext for broader actions such as a naval and air blockade around Taiwan. Observers noted that China possesses the capability to restrict maritime traffic and impose no-fly zones, arguing that such steps would be presented as responses to perceived unfriendly moves by Washington.
Initial economic signals
Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited (CATL), a leading Chinese electric vehicle battery producer, reportedly postponed a major North American plant decision in response to Pelosi’s Taiwan visit. CATL’s share of the global EV battery market rose in the first half of 2022, underscoring its dominant position in the sector. The new facility could have created thousands of jobs in the United States.
Geopolitical rhetoric
Former political figure Newt Gingrich, appearing on a television program during Pelosi’s visit, suggested that the United States would respond decisively to any Chinese military intervention. He argued that such a response could include significant economic and strategic measures, highlighting the potential for broader sanctions and allied coordination with countries like Australia and Japan to constrain Beijing’s actions.