A richer, stronger China warns Pelosi not to visit Taiwan

By JOE McDONALD
Associated Press

BEIJING (AP) — In 1997, Beijing grumbled but swallowed its irritation when then-Speaker Newt Gingrich of the U.S. House of Representatives visited Taiwan. The island democracy is claimed by the mainland’s ruling Communist Party as its own territory. At the time, China had other priorities, and Gingrich had just met the Chinese leader in Beijing. A quarter-century later, the situation is different. China is richer, more heavily armed and less willing to compromise. Why is this important? Because of recent news reports that the current speaker, Nancy Pelosi, might visit Taiwan. Beijing, always wary about Taiwan, is warning of “forceful measures” including military action if she does.