China has threatened “strong and decisive measures” if US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi makes her rumored trip to Taiwan.
Ms. Pelosi had planned to visit the island in April, but the trip was canceled after she tested positive for the coronavirus.
His office has not confirmed any details of a rescheduled trip, but his comments last week that “it is important for us to show support for Taiwan” have sparked rumors that it could be in the cards.
She would be the highest-ranking American politician to visit the island, which China has claimed as part of its People’s Republic since 1997.
It comes ahead of a phone call between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping on Thursday.
Zhu Feng, dean of the Institute of International Studies at Nanjing University in China, said Ms Pelosi was “playing with fire”.
“This is the issue that bothers China the most,” he said. “In the call, both sides should give each other a positive signal that we can have a basic trust in each other, which is especially necessary as the world remains fragile and volatile.
“Not agreeing to Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is a prerequisite to building that trust.”
Biden insists military ‘doesn’t think it’s a good idea’
Mr Biden’s team is also believed to have discouraged Mrs Pelosi from going.
He told reporters last week that “the military doesn’t think it’s a good idea.”
Beijing has not ruled out military action if the speaker makes his visit. He also constantly threatens a forced annexation of the island.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said there would be “firm and resolute measures” in response to any trip.
“The United States will be responsible for all serious consequences,” he added.
Long-awaited phone call between DC and Beijing
According to White House National Security spokesman John Kirby, the phone call between the US and Chinese leaders is expected to focus on managing the economic competition between the US and China.
But amid tensions over China’s military buildup in the South China Sea, there are other issues that will need to be discussed.
“Everything from tensions in Taiwan to the war in Ukraine,” Kirby said of what topics would be covered.
“This is a call that has been scheduled for a long time and there is a pretty robust agenda of things to talk about for these two leaders,” he added.
The US has consistently shown support for Taiwan, but has formal relations with China, not the island in its own right.
Six US lawmakers made a surprise visit to Taipei in April, angering officials in Beijing.
During her decades-long congressional career, Ms. Pelosi has repeatedly criticized China for its human rights record, among other things.