Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Zheng Zeguang, warned of a strong Chinese response if British lawmakers proceed with a visit to Taiwan. During a press conference in London, the ambassador stated that British officials visiting Taiwan constitutes interference in Chinese affairs, which would lead to severe consequences.
On Tuesday, China summoned the US ambassador to protest against the "shameful" visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Xie Feng expressed strong protests to Ambassador Nicholas Burns regarding Pelosi's visit to the self-governing island that China considers part of its territory. Xie told Burns, according to China's Xinhua News Agency, "This step is extremely egregious in nature and has very serious consequences," adding that "China will not remain idle."
Pelosi's visit, the highest-level by a US elected official to Taiwan in 25 years, has heightened tensions between the world's two largest economies, with Beijing viewing it as a significant provocation. Xie stated that the United States "will pay the price for its mistakes," urging Washington to "immediately correct its wrong actions and take practical steps to mitigate the negative effects of Pelosi's visit to Taiwan."
Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday evening, defying strong warnings and threats from China. While it is understood that the White House opposed including Taiwan in Pelosi's Asian tour, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday that Pelosi "has the right to visit Taiwan."
The Chinese military stated it is on "high alert" and "will launch a series of targeted military operations" in response to the visit, announcing plans for military exercises in the waters around the island starting Wednesday. Officials in Taipei reported that more than 20 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday, marking a serious escalation during Pelosi's visit.
Xie told Burns, according to the Chinese news agency, "Taiwan is Taiwan of China, and Taiwan will ultimately return to the embrace of the motherland. The Chinese people are not afraid of ghosts, pressures, or evil."
