U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is traveling to Taiwan as a part of her Asia trip, and she is expected to spend one night there.
Although China has warned against Pelosi's planned visit, she is still going to make the trip.
"We want to make sure that when she travels overseas, she can do so safely and securely, and we're going to make sure of that," U.S. National Security Council coordinator John Kirby told CNN Politics. "There is no reason for the Chinese rhetoric. There is no reason for any actions to be taken. It is not uncommon for congressional leaders to travel to Taiwan. We shouldn't be intimidated by that rhetoric or those potential actions. This is an important trip for the Speaker to be on, and we're going to do whatever we can to support her."
Pelosi, as well as several other members of Congress, are on a high-profile Asia tour, which began on Monday in Singapore, according to CNN. Several news outlets have reported that Pelosi will be traveling to Taiwan during her Asia tour. However, the specifics of her trip to Taiwan are not part of her public agenda, and it is unclear when exactly she will be landing in Taipei, though she is expected to stay overnight.
CNN also reported that during a regular foreign ministry briefing on Monday, China issued warnings against Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, explaining that its military "won't sit by idly" if it feels it is being threatened.
President Joe Biden stated publicly that the U.S. military didn't believe it was a good time for Pelosi to be in Taiwan. However, Biden hasn't told Pelosi not to go, nor has he made public comment about her trip since his initial statement on July 21.
In an interview with CNN, Kirby said that the administration would be doing whatever it can to support Pelosi and ensure her safe travels. However, there is still concern over her decision to go to Taiwan, as Pelosi is in the presidential line of succession and tensions in the region are rising.
