In the coming hours, Nancy Pelosi is expected to arrive in Taiwan. The plane that is thought to be carrying her is approaching the island from the east to avoid the Taiwan Strait and any attempt by the Chinese to fly close to her. As Speaker of the House of Representatives, she will be the most senior US figure to visit Taipei this century.
The economic effects of a Taiwan invasion would dwarf those of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Beijing is furious about Pelosi’s decision to go. It has warned that its military ‘won’t sit idly by’ if she does touch down and is planning various displays of military strength. While no one expects the Chinese to actually attack the island, there is talk of buzzing the Taiwanese air defence zone and other intimidatory acts.
Taiwan is of huge importance. Its strategic location and the fact it is a natural fortress means that taking control of the island goes a long way to determining the balance of power in the region.
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