Shock as China threatens ‘strong measures’ against Biden administration over Taiwan visit

CHINA has issued a stark warning to Joe Biden and his administration over Nancy Pelosi’s, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, upcoming trip to Taiwan, a news report has stated.

By Astha Saxena

00:19, Sun, Jul 24, 2022 | UPDATED: 00:19, Sun, Jul 24, 2022

63

Joe Biden talks about having cancer during speech

Sign up for our news briefing, including a daily special Russia-Ukraine edition

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

The warning has triggered alarm bells among White House officials who oppose her visit. Six people familiar with the Chinese warnings said they were significantly stronger than the threats that Beijing has made in the past when it was unhappy with US actions or policy on Taiwan.

Related articles

• Tragedy as 14-month-old baby dies after being left in hot car
• Putin BREAKS grain export deal after just HOURS

According to Financial Times, China has publicly threatened “strong measures” if Ms Pelosi proceeds with the planned visit in August.

However, one person said China had expressed “stronger opposition” to the US in private than before, it has been reported.

Several other people familiar with the situation said the private rhetoric went even further by suggesting a possible military response.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan and other senior National Security Council (NSC) officials oppose the trip because of the risk of escalating tension across the Taiwan Strait, according to two people familiar with the debate.

Shock as China threatens ‘strong measures’ against Biden administration over Taiwan visit (Image: Getty Images)

The warning has triggered alarm bells among White House officials who oppose her visit. (Image: Getty Images)

The NSC declined to comment on whether the administration had urged Ms Pelosi to cancel her trip.

John Kirby, NSC head of strategic communications, said on Friday the NSC team provided “context, facts and geopolitical relevant information”, and that the Speaker made her own decisions.

The controversy over the trip has sparked concern among Washington’s allies who are worried that it could trigger a crisis between the US and China, according to several of the people with knowledge of the situation.

On Wednesday, Mr Biden told reporters at a briefing he expected to speak with Xi within 10 days, but did not specify reasons or topics for a call.

READ MORE: Chechen rebels prepare to topple key Putin ally as civil war looms