Chinese Ambassador to Washington Qin Gang stressed that “if anyone tries to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will take strong measures to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” given that “the activities of (unnamed) separatist forces pose the greatest threat to peace and stability along the Taiwan Strait.” This was commented on by reports of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s intention to visit Taiwan in August, according to the government-run Global Times.

Pelosi was scheduled to visit the Taiwanese capital Taipei last April, but the visit was canceled after she contracted the coronavirus.

Earlier, the Chinese Defense Ministry warned Washington against Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, stressing that “the Chinese army will take strong measures to prevent any outside interference in the cause of Taiwan independence.” “Such actions could seriously damage the foundations of Sino-US relations,” she said.

The Beijing authorities accept the “one China” principle and maintain that “the People’s Republic of China is the only party authorized to represent China in international forums” and occasionally threaten to use force and military intervention if Taiwan declares independence.

If Pelosi were to visit Taiwan, it would be the first visit by a speaker of the US House of Representatives in 25 years since Republican Newt Gingrich traveled in 1997 to meet then-Taiwan President Lee Deng-hui.

Relations between Beijing and Taiwan have been tense since 1949, when forces led by the National Party forcibly took control of Taiwan after its defeat in the Chinese Civil War and the establishment of a “Republic of China” on the island.

Beijing does not recognize the independence of Taiwan, considers it part of Chinese territory and rejects any attempts to separate it from China, on the other hand, Taiwan does not recognize the central government of Beijing.