President Joe Biden said he’s not overly concerned about the prospect of China somehow seeking retribution over House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan.
“I’m not worried, but I’m concerned that they’re moving as much as they are,” Biden recently told reporters. “I don’t think they’re going to do anything more than they are.”
With Pelosi having made the move to visit Taiwan earlier this month, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs abruptly halted relations with the U.S. on issues ranging from climate change and the military, according to Politico. Chinese officials maintain Pelosi’s action “gravely undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
In addition, they announced sanctions against Pelosi and her family. Retaliatory actions taken in the days following her trip included firing missiles over the island and launching military exercises off Taiwan’s coast.
Even before her visit, tensions between the two countries had been on high for some time, with Chinese government officials warning of their opposition to Pelosi's visit.
Meanwhile, White House officials continue to say that Pelosi, a longtime critic of China, had every right to visit Taiwan, though they have remained mum about whether the administration is in official agreement.
Only recently out of isolation following his second bout with COVID, Biden said he feels Pelosi’s actions were “her decision."