U.S. News
Pentagon to protect Pelosi if she visits Taiwan despite China’s warning
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- US officials told the AP the DOD would protect Pelosi with fighter jets and warships if she visits.
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is tentatively planning to travel to Taiwan in August.
- China has repeatedly warned against the trip and threatened military action if it goes ahead.
The Pentagon is prepared to send fighter jets and warships to protect House Speaker Nancy Pelosi if she visits Taiwan, according to the Associated Press, citing unnamed US officials.
The AP reported Wednesday, that the Department of Defense had been developing security plans to keep Pelosi safe. The House Speaker is reportedly going to Taiwan in August amid China’s threat that it would take “forceful measures” if she goes.
The officials said the plans likely involve sending fighter jets, ships, and surveillance assets to protect her on her flights to and out of Taiwan as well as on the ground.
China repeatedly warned that Pelosi should not visit the self-ruling island, which it sees as part of China.
Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for China’s defense ministry, said on Tuesday that Pelosi’s visit would “seriously harm China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and seriously damage the political foundation of China-US relations.”
Tan also threatened military action, adding: “If the US insists on taking its own course, the Chinese military will never sit idly by, and it will definitely take strong actions to thwart any external force’s interference.
Pelosi was supposed to travel to Taiwan in April but did not end up going because she tested positive for the coronavirus. She has a tentative trip planned for August, the Financial Times reported, but it has not been confirmed.
“I don’t ever discuss my travel plans. It’s a matter of security,” Pelosi told reporters on Wednesday.
A Department of Defense spokesperson told Insider: “It wouldn’t be appropriate to comment on any congressional travel possibilities.”
China has long claimed that Taiwan — located around 100 miles away from its east coast — is part of the mainland, which Taiwan opposes. China has vocally opposed any recognition of Taiwan as its own country.
In recent months, the country has stepped up its rhetoric and military actions toward Taiwan, with Chinese planes carrying out multiple training exercises near Taiwan’s air space.
The US publicly showed support for Taiwan after Russia invaded Ukraine earlier this year. Taiwanese leaders have expressed fears that China would do the same in Taiwan.
It is not abnormal to implement additional safety measures for senior leaders who are traveling overseas, but the officials told the AP that Pelosi would receive more security than usual.
If Pelosi’s trip is confirmed, she would be the highest-ranking US official to visit Taiwan in over 20 years.
Source: TIME
the old marine
July 28, 2022 at 11:44 am
This is the biggest bunch of crap, what is the crook going to do in Taiwan, maybe help them to a better life. What a joke, a bad joke too. We pay millions of dollars to protect these people when that money could be used for something the US needs, I know they need to get away from their stressful job but do it on your own dollar. She is one of the most worthless people I can think of , top of the list with Biden, Harris, and Dr. Jill Biden with them, I will not waste my time watching them. We are in a world of hurt America!
Roger
August 1, 2022 at 12:51 pm
This is a win win situation it is great that the USA is standing up against China I heard Biden doesn’t want her to go he has about 31 Million reasons for that. But the other thing if her plane does get shot down .. I will say no more.
Robert E. Altee
July 28, 2022 at 7:51 pm
Pelosi knows the Democratic Party is damned near on its rotten ass, and hopes to convince our citizens that she, as a corrupt Democrat, can take on China by showing our support to Taiwan. She has not a damned thing to offer Taiwan, because she is on her way out and she knows it. Naturally, Biden and his band of blow hards and f–k ups think that ordering our military forces to protect Pelosi is not going to affect China at all. They will simply wait until the Queen of Corruption leaves Taiwan and then proceed with their plans. If we had a real, mentally sound President, and a halfway logical SECDEF, China would think long and hard before deciding to leave Taiwan alone. But, China knows that with Biden and his minions casting several hundred thousand military troops out on their asses, what is left of our military force would hardly matter in a war with China. Chances are Pelosi is expecting to gain some financial knowledge that will assist her husband to illegally swindle more money through purchases and sales of stock. Democrats should realize that turds of the same flock will go down the commode together. November is not far away. How many Democrats will survive? I would normally say that Pelosi should keep her drunken ass in Taiwan, but I’d hat to wish that on the Taiwanese citizens. They’re good people. I wonder if Pelosi will demand that she be given use of a Taiwanese-made $25K freezer for her chocolate ice cream while she is there?
Grizzly
July 28, 2022 at 8:28 pm
Why is Piglosi so determined to make this unnecessary trip and why is she considered so valuable that all these millions and millions of dollars need to be thrown away on her. If the ignorant dolt must make this trip against all the security/safety recommendations she should have to pay for it herself. If I remember correctly Piglosi has around 117 million dollars of wealth, that should be plenty for her to foot this idiotic excursion and leave her plenty of dough to flaunt her elitist self-absorbed existence.
Elizabeth
July 28, 2022 at 11:57 pm
We couldn’t muster troops for Benghazi, but we have them to guard the useless carcass of Pelosi. If she is so intent on going let her take her chances with the Chinese. Why we’re wasting American money on guarding her I don’t know. Let her buy her own security guards. Maybe they’ll keep her. Wouldn’t that be wonderful.
JD
July 30, 2022 at 6:54 pm
She has NO business going. It is disputed territory and a hot-zone. Her trip would be little more than political grandstanding. Not to mention needlessly endangering the lives of our service men and women. Her power has corrupted her.
Cebire Dorsey
August 1, 2022 at 3:03 pm
As much as I would like us to be rid of her, she has no business over there. What does she hope to accomplish? Possibly costing the lives of innocent SS agents, American service members & Taiwanese citizens, starting a war with China, wasting millions of US tax dollars on a grandstanding platform? Joe won’t do anything to stop her because she is a bully & he is a wimp. Let’s just hope someone shuts this absurd & dangerous trip down.
Tom
July 30, 2022 at 7:02 pm
I didn’t know Taiwan had vodka, and how many of her family and friends were going on this political vacation with her? If she is so set on going, let her pay for it herself.
WardMD
July 30, 2022 at 10:14 pm
So, Pelosi is willing to provoke WW-III for WHAT?
A photo-op?
Maybe Paul needs to make some INSIDER TRADES before Nancy tells us what her REAL motives are!
David
August 1, 2022 at 7:45 am
I couldn’t agreed more ! the old marine says . Pelosi’s demonize heading to Taiwan is a insult to America as does to Taiwanese a failure criminal itself attempt to get away for serious trails in congress doesn’t do any good for Taiwan instead of mess backfire to US just let them stand off that Communist China try to invade under US military nose safety zooms we am chicken cower to defend the democracy help ourselves help others bring it on your bunches thieves !