Taiwanʼs Ministry of Defense (Republic of China) has increased its combat readiness level during the timespan between the morning of August 2 to the afternoon of August 4.

The local media reported about this.

Meanwhile, China has launched new military exercises in the South China Sea, which will last until August 6.

Such measures are taken prior to the likely visit of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Reuters writes.

It was reported that she might be meeting with Tsai Ing-wen, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that it would not make comments on the reports of Pelosi’s travel plans. However, the White House, which has not officially confirmed the trip, stated that she was eligible to go.

Mainland China (PRC) has repeatedly warned against Pelosi’s trip to the island of Taiwan, which it considers its own rebellious territory. The United States stated on Monday that it would not be deterred by the Chinese “arms rattling” during the visit.

On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian spoke that Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan would be a “gross interference in China’s internal affairs” and warned that “China’s People’s Liberation Army will never sit idly by.”

When asked what measures the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) might take, Zhao replied: “If she dares to come, let’s wait and see.”

Pelosi’s visit will take place amid the backdrop of worsening relations between Washington and Beijing. The White House dismissed China’s rhetoric as baseless and inappropriate.

Washington does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, US law requires it to provide the island with means of self-defense.

On Thursday, July 28, US leaders Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation. The President of the People’s Republic of China indicated, in particular, China’s principled position on the “Taiwan issue”, stating that the People’s Republic of China opposes the independence of Taiwan along with the interference of external forces in the situation in any form.