China allowed a military response to the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.
Beijing issued this warning to the administration of US President Joseph Biden privately.
This was reported by the British publication, citing six sources familiar with the warnings.
How Beijing warned Washington
According to the publication, Beijing publicly threatened drastic measures if Pelosi made a planned visit to Taiwan in August.
One source says Chinese authorities have privately expressed “stronger resistance” to Washington than before.
Several other sources familiar with the situation say Beijing’s private statements have gone further, suggesting a military response.
The White House is trying to determine whether Beijing is making serious threats or brinksmanship in an attempt to pressure Pelosi to cancel the visit, sources said.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and other senior National Security Council officials opposed the visit due to the risk of escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, two sources said.
It is noted that the controversy over Pelosi’s trip is causing concern among US allies, who are concerned that the visit will provoke a crisis between China and the US.
People briefed on national security issues in Taipei also reportedly rate the risk that China will significantly increase military aggression in response to the visit as higher than last year.
