Washington, DC — Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says the US shouldn’t let China dictate the itinerary of any American traveling abroad, especially someone as high-ranking as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She is currently in the midst of an Asian tour and is expected to visit Taiwan, which has prompted China to issue a series of threats while flexing its military muscles.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory, and Republican Grassley says it’s not a mistake for Democrat Pelosi to visit the island, which would send a message the US supports Taiwan’s independence. A Chinese official reportedly said, “Those who play with fire will perish by it,” in regards to Pelosi’s travel plans.
Pelosi would be the highest ranking US official to visit Taiwan since then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich stopped there in 1997.
One report says China’s State-run media implied Pelosi’s jet would be shot down before it would be able to land in Taiwan.
