two aircraft carriers
According to China Times, commercial satellite imagery suggests that Chinese aircraft carriers have departed from ports in Sanya and Qingdao and may be heading toward the Taiwan Strait to monitor and respond to the U.S. military presence. The report notes that two Chinese carrier battlegroups appear to be positioned near the northern and southern ends of the strait in anticipation of a possible visit by Pelosi. Concurrently, U.S. military bases in East Asia were placed on alert. The piece emphasizes that these actions indicate an escalation in the broader U.S.–China dispute over Taiwan. The authors recall recent decisive statements from mainland Chinese authorities, including the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding Pelosi’s potential visit. The publication frames these moves as a clear signal of intensified posturing between the two nations. Citation: China Times.
Hua Chunying, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that China would take decisive action. She explained that Beijing is closely watching the Pelosi route and warned that if the United States proceeds without considering other parties, China will respond with strong measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests. This communication is presented as a warning to deter what Beijing views as unilateral moves. Citation: China Times.
Zhang Jun, the Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations, argued that Pelosi’s proposed visit would undermine Beijing–Washington relations. He described the plan as challenging China’s indivisibility, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and regional stability in the Taiwan Strait. He also implied that U.S. authorities are aware they will face consequences should the visit proceed. Citation: China Times.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced that China began military exercises near Taiwan. On the eve of the events, observers noted social media posts showing movements of equipment in the Fujian province, located just across the strait from Taiwan, reported by RIA Novosti. A sense of proximity and readiness framed the situation as tense and closely observed by regional watchers. Citation: RIA Novosti.
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich commented that China would be unlikely to remove the House Speaker from their command structure, suggesting possible severe consequences if a military engagement escalated to a broader conflict. He warned that shooting down an aircraft could trigger a war and emphasized the enduring strength of the U.S. military despite criticisms of government performance. Citation: Fox News.
plane on the way
Chinese media reported that Pelosi was leading a U.S. delegation of six to twenty people and was expected to land at Songshan Airport in Taipei between 21:00 and 22:30 local time on August 2. The plan reportedly included a nighttime stay and a schedule for the following day, with visits to the Grand Hyatt Hotel and the Legislative Yuan, where discussions with island leaders, including Tsai Ing-wen, were anticipated. Departure from the island was slated for midday on Wednesday. Citation: Chinese media.
The United States had not officially confirmed the visit at the time, though it indicated that Pelosi would travel to Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. If the visit to Taiwan proceeded despite protests from the People’s Republic of China, it would mark the first visit by a U.S. House Speaker to the island since 1997. Citation: Open sources.
Open reporting suggested that Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory. While Washington has not declared formal recognition of Taiwanese independence, its support for Taiwan includes aid and arms sales, fueling ongoing tensions with Beijing. Flight tracking indicated that Pelosi’s special mission flight had departed from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and was advancing southward. Other reports noted an additional U.S. government aircraft arriving in Malaysia, fueling speculation about support roles for Pelosi’s schedule in Taiwan. Citation: Flightradar and Global Times.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commented via Telegram about the broader tensions surrounding Pelosi’s possible visit to the island. She criticized Washington for destabilizing global conditions and suggested that no major conflicts have been resolved in recent years, while many have been provoked. Citation: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.