Air Force spokesman Shen Jinke, according to state media, said at a military air show that the Air Force has many types of fighter jets capable of circling “our precious homeland island.” It comes as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi confirmed she will visit four Asian countries this week, but made no mention of a possible stop in Taiwan. He would be the most senior US politician to visit the island, which China has claimed as part of its People’s Republic since 1997. Rumors of the visit have angered Beijing, which claims the island as its own territory. China sees contact between US officials and Taiwan as encouragement to make permanent its decades-long de facto independence. In a tense phone call on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned his US counterpart Joe Biden that Washington must uphold the one-China principle and “those who play with fire will perish from it”. Sen said on Sunday: “The air force has the firm will, full confidence and sufficient ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Beijing has issued escalating warnings about the repercussions should Ms Pelosi – a top Democrat like Biden – visit Taiwan, which it says faces growing Chinese military and economic threats. White House National Security Press Secretary John Kirby said Friday that the United States has seen no evidence of looming Chinese military activity against Taiwan. Pelosi confirmed she will visit Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan to discuss trade, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, security and democratic governance. Read more: Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan may tip US, China quietly into crisis China warns US not to ‘play with fire’ on Taiwan during two-hour call between Xi and Biden Pictured: Joe Biden speaks virtually with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in November 2021 (file photo) Biden discouraged Pelosi’s visit Mr Biden’s team is also believed to have discouraged Ms Pelosi from going. Last week he told reporters that “the military doesn’t think it’s a good idea.” Beijing has not ruled out military action if the speaker makes her visit. He also consistently threatens a forced annexation of the island. During her decades-long congressional career, Ms. Pelosi has repeatedly criticized China for its human rights record, among other issues.
