Taiwan is reportedly ordering soldiers to “prepare for war” as China has repeatedly made threats over House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) expected visit of the country this week.
“We would like to tell the United States once again that China is standing by, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will never sit idly by, and China will take resolute responses and strong countermeasures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Chinese propagandist Zhao Lijian said at a press briefing this week, according to CBS News.
“As for what measures, if she dares to go, then let’s wait and see,” Zhao added.
Meanwhile, China has increased its military drills around Taiwan in an attempt at intimidation. On Monday, four J-16 Chinese fighter jets entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.
Taiwan has responded by ordering troops to “immediately prepare for war” while mobilizing its air defense forces.
U.S. and Taiwanese officials say that Pelosi is expected to visit the country on Tuesday night as part of her trip through Asia.
Last week, former Chinese army officer Hu Xijin, who is now the editor of China’s government-run Global Times, to the news of Pelosi’s expected visit of Taiwan by issuing a threat on social media.
“If US fighter jets escort Pelosi’s plane into Taiwan, it is invasion,” Hu said. “The PLA has the right to forcibly dispel Pelosi’s plane and the US fighter jets, including firing warning shots and making tactical movement of obstruction. If ineffective, then shoot them down.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to depart for a tour of Asia today, though whether she'll make a high-stakes stop in Taiwan remains uncertain https://t.co/nFURv15dyv
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) July 29, 2022
