Published on 03:51 PM, August 01, 2022

China says military “won't sit by” if Pelosi visits Taiwan

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) addresses reporters during a news conference at the US Capitol in Washington, US, July 29, 2022. REUTERS

China said today that its military "not sit idly by" if US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan.

The latest warning was issued during a Chinese foreign ministry regular briefing. Spokesperson Zhao Lijian also said that because of Pelosi's status as the "No. 3 official of the US government," a visit to Taiwan, which China claims as its own, would "lead to egregious political impact."

Pelosi was set to kick-off a tour of four Asian countries on Monday in Singapore amid intense speculation that she may risk the wrath of Beijing by also visiting self-ruled Taiwan.