CNA: Taiwan heightens combat readiness ahead of possible Pelosi visit

The Ministry of Defense of Taiwan has heightened the level of combat readiness of the National Army ahead of a possible visit by the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi

It was reported by the Taiwan News Agency (CNA) with reference to a source.

As noted in the publication, this regime will operate from 8:00 a.m. on August 2 (1:00 a.m. Kyiv time) to 12:00 p.m. (7:00 a.m. Kyiv time) on August 4.

Taiwan's military has two levels of combat readiness — "regular combat readiness period" (peacetime) and "defensive combat period" (wartime).

The agency's interlocutor also emphasized that currently, the level of combat readiness remains "the period of normal combat readiness." It can be adjusted in a certain way in case of a threat from the Chinese army.

What happened?

We will remind you that initially, there were reports that Pelosi should visit Taiwan in April, but the visit was postponed due to a coronavirus infection.

And recently, there was information that Pelosi is planning a trip in August. It would be the first trip by a high-ranking US official in 25 years.

China considers Taiwan its "inalienable part" and has warned of "serious consequences" if the visit occurs.

US President Joe Biden noted that the Pentagon is against Pelosi's trip. And according to CNN, US national security officials are trying to convince the Speaker not to go.

The conflict between Taiwan and China

The People's Republic of China (China) controls the mainland and two administrative regions — Hong Kong and Macau.

And the Republic of China, known as Taiwan, recognizes itself as independent from China. They established their capital and administration in Taiwan in 1949 when the Communist Party took control of the mainland, and the opposition forces retreated to Taiwan and established their power there.

Mainland China and Taiwan adhere to the principle of "one China": each considers itself the one true China, and the rival a temporarily uncontrolled territory.

In order to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, other countries must break diplomatic relations with the Republic of China and vice versa.

To date, Taiwan has official diplomatic relations with 15 countries, most of which are in South America. However, Taiwan's unrecognized status does not prevent the region from trading with other countries.

Taiwan also has cultural representations in some countries, which are de facto embassies.

The US revoked Taiwan's diplomatic recognition in favor of the PRC in 1979.

Since then, the United States does not maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan but undertakes to ensure the island's security against external threats, including supplying the island with weapons and military equipment.

However, US President Joe Biden has stated that he intends to support Taiwan.