President Biden says Pelosi’s planned trip to Taiwan is ‘not a good idea’

President Joe Biden has said the military have questioned the timing of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s planned trip to Taiwan by saying “it is not a good idea right now.”

Sources in Beijing said that the trip could increase tensions between the two countries. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also said that they would be willing to take “resolute and strong measures” should Pelosi make the visit.  Biden went onto say that “But I don’t know what the status of it is.” Neither Biden nor Pelosi would commit to whether the trip will go ahead.  Pelosi cited safety concerns in her case.

“I don’t ever discuss my travel plans … It’s a security issue. You’ll never even hear me say if I’m going to London, because it is a security issue,” Pelosi stated at a press briefing.

“I think that it’s important for us to show support for Taiwan,” she said, adding that “none of us has ever said that we’re for independence when it comes to Taiwan, that’s up to Taiwan to decide.” Pelosi had initially planned to visit Taiwan in April, but was forced to cancel the trip after she tested positive for Covid-19.

According to Chinese Media Sources, Chinese President Xi emphasized the need for Taiwan to be “handled properly.” Xi also brought this up during a video call with Joe Biden.

“Some individuals in the United States are sending the wrong signals to pro-independence forces in Taiwan, and that’s very dangerous,” Xi said during the call. “If the Taiwan issue is not handled properly, it will have a subversive impact on the relationship between the two countries.” Biden has said he will speak to President Xi in another call by the end of July.

Central Intelligence Agency’s director, Bill Burns, stated on Wednesday that he feels China is “unsettled.” He also added that while he hoped for a peaceful resolution, “I wouldn’t underestimate President Xi’s determination to assert China’s control” when talking about a possible invasion of Taiwan.