US says it has no evidence of Chinese military action over Taiwan

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US said on Friday that it has not seen any evidence that China is ramping up its military ahead of a potential visit to Taiwan by House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Speaking to reporters, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Washington has not seen any "physical, tangible indications of anything untoward with respect to Taiwan."

China has warned against a potential visit to Taiwan by Pelosi, which is being billed as a show of support for Taiwan. Beijing has said it will impose unspecified "serious consequences" if she follows through with her plans.

China's President Xi Jinping on Thursday warned his US counterpart Joe Biden “not to play with fire” over Taiwan during "candid" phone talks.

Pelosi would not be the first House speaker to visit Taiwan, as Newt Gingrich did it in 1997. Other sitting members of Congress may accompany Pelosi on her trip, which could come as soon as next week. Her office has not confirmed a date, but said the visit is possible.

Beijing considers Taiwan as a “breakaway province," but the latter has maintained its independence since 1949 and enjoys diplomatic relations with at least 14 countries.

Interactions between Washington and Taipei have grown significantly since the tenure of former US President Donald Trump, with former and sitting lawmakers making trips to the island home to more than 25 million people.

The US formally recognized China in 1979 and shifted diplomatic relations from Taipei to Beijing, and accepted Taiwan as part of the mainland under Washington’s One China policy.​​​​​​​