Ex China diplomat erupts in furious BBC rant over ‘illegitimate’ Nancy Pelosi Taiwan visit

Chinese diplomat slams Nancy Pelosi over Taiwan visit

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Former diplomat Victor Gao defended China’s dramatic reaction to Nancy Pelosi’s visit to neighbouring Taiwan,  claiming that China’s decision to begin military drills due to Ms Pelosi’s visit was justified. The former diplomat claimed Ms Pelosi had ignored warnings not to go to Taiwan from, China’s President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden. Mr Gao branded the visit as “unauthorised and illegitimate” at a time of heightened hostility between China and the US.

BBC host Martha Kearney said: “Why has the visit from Nancy Pelosi provoked such a strong reaction from China?”

Mr Gao told Radio 4s Today programme: “I think China’s reaction is fully expected and fully justified.

“Why Nancy Pelosi went to Taipei not as a tourist, not as a grand old… Visit to the shopping mall, she is there in her official capacity as speaker of the House of Representatives.

“And she ranks number two in the line of succession to the presidency of the United States, next only to the Vice President of the United States.

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Mr Gao added: “China has given repeated warnings before her visit, against her visit.

“And she disregarded the Chinese warnings, she disregarded President Biden’s counselling, as well as the Pentagon’s counselling.

“Therefore her visit is illegitimate and unauthorised, and China is indifferent about that.”

Ms Kearney added: “Well whatever China’s objections to the visit, and indeed the status of it, does it really warrant the idea of these military drills including a live fire ammunition?”

Mr Gao said: “Absolutely!”

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The Chinese army has been ramping up military drills, and military experts claim this is a direct response to Ms Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.

The Chinese army crossed over into Taiwan’s territory during the military drills, heightening the fears of invasion globally.

The drills were announced by China’s state media news channel, which broadcast images of a map showing exactly where the drills were taking place.

Ms Pelosi has been accused of infuriating China’s leader Xi Jinping with her visit and her message.

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Ms Pelosi said: “Our Congressional delegation’s visit to Taiwan honours America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant democracy.

“Our visit is part of our broader trip to the Indo-Pacific — including Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan — focused on mutual security, economic partnership and democratic governance.

“Our discussions with Taiwan leadership will focus on reaffirming our support for our partner and on promoting our shared interests, including advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“America’s solidarity with the 23 million people of Taiwan is more important today than ever, as the world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy.

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