Mrs. Pelosi had planned to visit the island in April, but the trip was canceled after she tested positive for the coronavirus. Her office has not confirmed any details of a rescheduled trip, but her comments last week that it was “important for us to show support for Taiwan” have fueled rumors that it could be on the cards. He would be the most senior US politician to visit the island, which China has claimed as part of its People’s Republic since 1997. It comes ahead of a phone call between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping on Thursday. Zhu Feng, dean of the Institute of International Studies at Nanjing University in China, said Ms. Pelosi was “playing with fire.” “This is the issue that bothers China the most,” he said. “In the call both sides need to give each other a positive message that we can have basic trust in each other, which is especially necessary as the world remains fragile and unstable. “Not condoning Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is a prerequisite to building that trust.” Biden insists military ‘doesn’t think it’s a good idea’ Mr Biden’s team is also believed to have discouraged Ms Pelosi from going. Last week he told reporters that “the military doesn’t think it’s a good idea.” Beijing has not ruled out military action if the speaker makes her visit. He also consistently threatens a forced annexation of the island. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said there would be “firm and decisive measures” in response to any trip. “The US will be responsible for all serious consequences,” he added. Long-awaited phone call between DC and Beijing The phone call between US and Chinese leaders is expected to focus on managing economic competition between the US and China, according to White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby. However, amid tensions over the Chinese military build-up in the South China Sea, there are many other issues that should be discussed. “Everything from tensions over Taiwan to the war in Ukraine,” Kirby said of the topics to be covered. “This is a call that has been planned for a long time and there is quite a strong agenda of things for these two leaders to talk about,” he added. The US has consistently shown support for Taiwan, but has formal relations with China – not the island itself. Six US lawmakers made a surprise visit to Taipei in April, which angered officials in Beijing. During her decades-long congressional career, Ms. Pelosi has repeatedly criticized China for its human rights record, among other issues.
