China does not want American adventures in its own ‘backyard’ and feels offended by Pelosi’s performance. China considers Taiwan, which has been de facto independent for more than 70 years, as a renegade province. According to China, it will return to the mother country, if necessary by military means. The US has warned China not to use Pelosi’s visit as a pretext for military action against Taiwan. China is also outraged that Pelosi praised Taiwan as “one of the freest societies in the world” and promised the island every possible American solidarity.
In retaliation for Pelosi’s visit, Chinese customs announced a suspension of imports of citrus and other fruits, as well as frozen mackerel, all from Taiwan. The Ministry of Commerce banned the export of natural sand to Taiwan.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Pelosi’s visit seriously damages peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, “seriously impacts the political foundation of China-US relations and constitutes a serious breach of sovereignty and territorial integrity of China’.
Some of China’s already planned military exercises will now take place within Taiwan’s 12-nautical-mile sea and air area in retaliation for US “provocation.” According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense, an unprecedented move described by a senior defense official to reporters as “representing a naval and air blockade of Taiwan.”
