Taiwan on Saturday (May 23) said China had deployed more than 100 navy, coast guard and research vessels across waters stretching from the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea and the western Pacific, amid rising tensions in the region.&nbsp;According to a Taiwanese security official quoted by AFP, the deployment began before the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and expanded further after the summit concluded.&nbsp;The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Chinese marine survey and research ships were also part of the large deployment.&nbsp;The development comes at a time when Taiwan is increasingly concerned about comments made by Trump regarding US arms sales to the island. Trump had recently suggested that military support for Taiwan could become part of broader negotiations with China.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rubio-extends-donald-trump-s-white-house-invitation-to-prime-minister-modi-1779534621217">Rubio extends Donald Trump’s White House invitation to Prime Minister Modi</a>&nbsp;China claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly warned that it could take control of the island by force if necessary. Taiwan, meanwhile, relies heavily on military and political support from the United States to counter growing Chinese pressure.&nbsp;In a post on X, Taiwan National Security Council chief Joseph Wu shared a map dated May 23 showing the deployment of Chinese vessels across the region.&nbsp;“In this part of the world, #China is the one &amp; only PROBLEM wrecking the #StatusQuo &amp; threatening regional peace &amp; stability,” Wu wrote.&nbsp;China has sharply increased military activities around Taiwan in recent years, regularly sending fighter aircraft and warships near the island and carrying out large-scale military exercises.&nbsp;Taiwan President Lai Ching-te had earlier proposed nearly $40 billion in additional defence spending, including the purchase of US weapons and locally manufactured drones. However, the opposition-controlled parliament approved only around $25 billion for US arms purchases.&nbsp;Meanwhile, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated Beijing’s opposition to American military support for Taiwan.&nbsp;“China's position of resolute opposition to US arms sales to China's Taiwan region is consistent, clear and firm,” the spokesperson said on Friday.&nbsp;Trump on Wednesday also referred to “the Taiwan problem” and said, “We'll work on that, the Taiwan problem.” Lai later responded by saying he would be “happy” to speak with Trump.

The development comes amid growing concern in Taiwan after Trump suggested US arms support for the island could be part of broader negotiations with China.



Taiwan on Saturday (May 23) said China had deployed more than 100 navy, coast guard and research vessels across waters stretching from the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea and the western Pacific, amid rising tensions in the region. According to a Taiwanese security official quoted by AFP, the deployment began before the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and expanded further after the summit concluded. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Chinese marine survey and research ships were also part of the large deployment. The development comes at a time when Taiwan is increasingly concerned about comments made by Trump regarding US arms sales to the island. Trump had recently suggested that military support for Taiwan could become part of broader negotiations with China. Also Read: Rubio extends Donald Trump’s White House invitation to Prime Minister Modi China claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly warned that it could take control of the island by force if necessary. Taiwan, meanwhile, relies heavily on military and political support from the United States to counter growing Chinese pressure. In a post on X, Taiwan National Security Council chief Joseph Wu shared a map dated May 23 showing the deployment of Chinese vessels across the region. “In this part of the world, #China is the one & only PROBLEM wrecking the #StatusQuo & threatening regional peace & stability,” Wu wrote. China has sharply increased military activities around Taiwan in recent years, regularly sending fighter aircraft and warships near the island and carrying out large-scale military exercises. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te had earlier proposed nearly $40 billion in additional defence spending, including the purchase of US weapons and locally manufactured drones. However, the opposition-controlled parliament approved only around $25 billion for US arms purchases. Meanwhile, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated Beijing’s opposition to American military support for Taiwan. “China's position of resolute opposition to US arms sales to China's Taiwan region is consistent, clear and firm,” the spokesperson said on Friday. Trump on Wednesday also referred to “the Taiwan problem” and said, “We'll work on that, the Taiwan problem.” Lai later responded by saying he would be “happy” to speak with Trump.

The development comes amid growing concern in Taiwan after Trump suggested US arms support for the island could be part of broader negotiations with China.

China deploys more than 100 ships near Taiwan after Trump-Xi meeting, says Taipei

The Trump-Xi summit takes place amid escalating global tensions, with Iran, Taiwan, and the Strait of Hormuz dominating high-level discussions between Washington and Beijing. Both sides addressed concerns over maritime security, regional stability, trade, and strategic rivalry as geopolitical pressure intensifies across the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. The meeting also highlighted growing fears of wider global conflict and the fragile balance between cooperation and confrontation between the world’s two largest powers.

China, US Navigate Growing Global Tensions: Iran, Taiwan And Hormuz Dominate Summit

China has issued a blunt warning to Washington over Taiwan just days before US President Donald Trump meets Xi Jinping in Beijing, underlining how the self-ruled island has again become the most volatile point in US-China relations. The summit, scheduled for May 14-15, is expected to cover trade, artificial intelligence, Iran and rare earth exports, but Taiwan is already dominating the diplomatic atmosphere ahead of the talks.&nbsp;China on Wednesday renewed its strong opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan, urging Washington to uphold its commitments ahead of Trump’s summit visit to Beijing. Zhang Han, a spokesperson for Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office told Reuters that China’s determination to oppose independence was ‘as firm as a rock’ and described its ability to ‘crush’ separatism as ‘unbreakable’. The remarks came after Trump confirmed he would discuss American arms sales to Taiwan directly with Xi during the summit.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-xi-summit-tehran-taiwan-trade-five-big-issues-on-the-table-in-beijing-1778662233091">Trump-Xi summit: Tehran, Taiwan, trade — five big issues on the table in Beijing</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Record arms deals deepen the stand-off</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>The tensions stem largely from Trump’s approval last December of an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, the largest weapons sale ever authorised for the island. Reuters reported that another package worth around $14 billion may also be under consideration later this year. Beijing views such deals as interference in what it considers an internal matter.&nbsp;"We firmly oppose the United States engaging in any form of military ties ​with China's Taiwan region, and firmly oppose the United States selling weapons to China's Taiwan region. This position is consistent and unequivocal," Zhang Han ​said in Beijing.&nbsp;China claims Taiwan as part of its territory despite the island having its own democratic government, military and constitution. While Beijing says it prefers ‘peaceful reunification’, it has repeatedly refused to rule out the use of force. Taiwan, meanwhile, continues to reject China’s sovereignty claims. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te recently thanked the United States for helping strengthen the island’s defences and reiterated that Taiwan would not yield to external pressure. China has labelled Lai a separatist and increased military activity around the island in recent months.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/can-a-trump-xi-deal-revive-us-energy-exports-to-china-this-is-what-we-know-1778583912072">Can a Trump-Xi deal revive US energy exports to China? This is what we know</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Fears grow over what could be discussed behind closed doors</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Taipei is watching the Beijing summit closely amid concerns that Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy could lead to compromises over Taiwan in exchange for Chinese cooperation on trade or economic issues. Taiwan intelligence chief Tsai Ming-yen recently warned that Beijing may attempt ‘manoeuvring’ on the Taiwan issue during the summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the news agency, former Pentagon spokesman John Kirby cautioned that US officials must be “extraordinarily precise” when discussing Taiwan because “the stakes are enormously high”. Any shift in American policy would carry major consequences not only for Asian security but also for global trade and semiconductor supply chains centred around Taiwan. Long calibrated to support Taiwan without provoking Beijing, the policy is expected to face renewed scrutiny during Trump’s China visit. Past remarks by US officials have occasionally triggered diplomatic tensions requiring swift clarification.&nbsp;

Long calibrated to support Taiwan without provoking Beijing, the policy is expected to face renewed scrutiny during Trump’s China visit. Past remarks by US officials have occasionally triggered diplomatic tensions requiring swift clarification.

China has issued a blunt warning to Washington over Taiwan just days before US President Donald Trump meets Xi Jinping in Beijing, underlining how the self-ruled island has again become the most volatile point in US-China relations. The summit, scheduled for May 14-15, is expected to cover trade, artificial intelligence, Iran and rare earth exports, but Taiwan is already dominating the diplomatic atmosphere ahead of the talks. China on Wednesday renewed its strong opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan, urging Washington to uphold its commitments ahead of Trump’s summit visit to Beijing. Zhang Han, a spokesperson for Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office told Reuters that China’s determination to oppose independence was ‘as firm as a rock’ and described its ability to ‘crush’ separatism as ‘unbreakable’. The remarks came after Trump confirmed he would discuss American arms sales to Taiwan directly with Xi during the summit. ALSO READ: Trump-Xi summit: Tehran, Taiwan, trade — five big issues on the table in Beijing Record arms deals deepen the stand-off The tensions stem largely from Trump’s approval last December of an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, the largest weapons sale ever authorised for the island. Reuters reported that another package worth around $14 billion may also be under consideration later this year. Beijing views such deals as interference in what it considers an internal matter. "We firmly oppose the United States engaging in any form of military ties with China's Taiwan region, and firmly oppose the United States selling weapons to China's Taiwan region. This position is consistent and unequivocal," Zhang Han said in Beijing. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory despite the island having its own democratic government, military and constitution. While Beijing says it prefers ‘peaceful reunification’, it has repeatedly refused to rule out the use of force. Taiwan, meanwhile, continues to reject China’s sovereignty claims. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te recently thanked the United States for helping strengthen the island’s defences and reiterated that Taiwan would not yield to external pressure. China has labelled Lai a separatist and increased military activity around the island in recent months. ALSO READ: Can a Trump-Xi deal revive US energy exports to China? This is what we know Fears grow over what could be discussed behind closed doors Taipei is watching the Beijing summit closely amid concerns that Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy could lead to compromises over Taiwan in exchange for Chinese cooperation on trade or economic issues. Taiwan intelligence chief Tsai Ming-yen recently warned that Beijing may attempt ‘manoeuvring’ on the Taiwan issue during the summit. According to the news agency, former Pentagon spokesman John Kirby cautioned that US officials must be “extraordinarily precise” when discussing Taiwan because “the stakes are enormously high”. Any shift in American policy would carry major consequences not only for Asian security but also for global trade and semiconductor supply chains centred around Taiwan. Long calibrated to support Taiwan without provoking Beijing, the policy is expected to face renewed scrutiny during Trump’s China visit. Past remarks by US officials have occasionally triggered diplomatic tensions requiring swift clarification.

Long calibrated to support Taiwan without provoking Beijing, the policy is expected to face renewed scrutiny during Trump’s China visit. Past remarks by US officials have occasionally triggered diplomatic tensions requiring swift clarification.

Beijing fires sharp warning at US over Taiwan before pivotal Trump-Xi summit

A Chinese invasion of Taiwan or an attack as early as 2025 on the island nation could cost the world economy $1 trillion, Taipei Times reported citing an estimate by intelligence officials in the United States.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that US Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines, presented a "general estimate" during testimony before the US Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday.&nbsp;

The top US intelligence official said,&nbsp;"A Chinese invasion of Taiwan could halt production by the world’s largest advanced chipmaker, wiping out up to USD 1 trillion per year from the global economy in the first few years."&nbsp;

Beijing views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. It&nbsp;also claims that Taiwan will defy China's one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence.&nbsp;

In case China invades Taiwan, experts have said&nbsp;that it would put a massive impact on the global supply chains as the island is a major supplier of semiconductors—a key component of nearly all modern electronics.&nbsp;

Haines said that the advanced semiconductors produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) are used in 90 per cent of "almost every category of electronic device around the world".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, she stated that&nbsp;TSMC is investing $40 million to build two sophisticated wafer fabs in Arizona to deal with that risk.&nbsp;

An act of invasion will also lead to a Western fury, inciting China's isolation and pushing Beijing and Washington closer than ever to a direct military conflict. It put will also put an end to Taiwan's hard-won democratic liberties.&nbsp;

Haines further noted that said that Chinese President Xi Jinping is not only wanting to unify Taiwan in a "peaceful" manner but also preparing a possible military action to achieve that goal.&nbsp;

Last month, Xi asked the military forces to focus on "strengthening the military training oriented towards actual combat" and that the military must "resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, and strive to protect overall peripheral stability".&nbsp;

Haines&nbsp;said, "I think we continue to assess that he [Xi] would prefer to achieve unification of Taiwan through peaceful means."&nbsp;

The report further Haines as saying that if a Chinese invasion stopped TSMC from producing those chips, it will have an enormous global financial impact that runs somewhere between $600 billion to $1 trillion on an annual basis for the first few years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It will also have an impact on [US] GDP if there was such an invasion of Taiwan and that [TSMC’s production] was blocked," she also said.&nbsp;

Such an act will also put China in a tight spot, leading to a large impact on its economy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A Chinese invasion of Taiwan or an attack as early as 2025 on the island nation could cost the world economy $1 trillion, Taipei Times reported citing an estimate by intelligence officials in the United States.

A Chinese invasion of Taiwan or an attack as early as 2025 on the island nation could cost the world economy $1 trillion, Taipei Times reported citing an estimate by intelligence officials in the United States. The report mentioned that US Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines, presented a "general estimate" during testimony before the US Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday. The top US intelligence official said, "A Chinese invasion of Taiwan could halt production by the world’s largest advanced chipmaker, wiping out up to USD 1 trillion per year from the global economy in the first few years." Beijing views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. It also claims that Taiwan will defy China's one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence. In case China invades Taiwan, experts have said that it would put a massive impact on the global supply chains as the island is a major supplier of semiconductors—a key component of nearly all modern electronics. Haines said that the advanced semiconductors produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) are used in 90 per cent of "almost every category of electronic device around the world". Meanwhile, she stated that TSMC is investing $40 million to build two sophisticated wafer fabs in Arizona to deal with that risk. An act of invasion will also lead to a Western fury, inciting China's isolation and pushing Beijing and Washington closer than ever to a direct military conflict. It put will also put an end to Taiwan's hard-won democratic liberties. Haines further noted that said that Chinese President Xi Jinping is not only wanting to unify Taiwan in a "peaceful" manner but also preparing a possible military action to achieve that goal. Last month, Xi asked the military forces to focus on "strengthening the military training oriented towards actual combat" and that the military must "resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, and strive to protect overall peripheral stability". Haines said, "I think we continue to assess that he [Xi] would prefer to achieve unification of Taiwan through peaceful means." The report further Haines as saying that if a Chinese invasion stopped TSMC from producing those chips, it will have an enormous global financial impact that runs somewhere between $600 billion to $1 trillion on an annual basis for the first few years. "It will also have an impact on [US] GDP if there was such an invasion of Taiwan and that [TSMC’s production] was blocked," she also said. Such an act will also put China in a tight spot, leading to a large impact on its economy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese invasion of Taiwan as early as 2025 could cost world economy $1 trillion: Report

President Xi Jinping has asked China's military forces to focus on "strengthening the military training oriented towards actual combat", the nation's state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday (April 12).&nbsp;

The report mentioned that Xi's comments were made during his naval inspection trip on Tuesday. The visit took place hours after the military drills by China's People's Liberation Army in region around Taiwan.&nbsp;

The military drills were launched in the aftermath of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the United States, which angered China. During the visit, Tsai also met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.&nbsp;

The state broadcaster CCTV reported that Xi on Tuesday told the People's Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command Navy that the military must "resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, and strive to protect overall peripheral stability".&nbsp;

Beijing has also criticised a plan for US forces to use a growing number of bases in the Philippines, including one near Taiwan.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea FIRES ballistic missile into seas between Japan and South Korea&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) mentioned that China has come up with new rules for the recruitment of soldiers in wartime.&nbsp;

The report noted that veterans have been listed as a priority, which according to military analysts means that it is an enhancement of PLA combat readiness for a war over Taiwan.&nbsp;

Amid simmering tensions in the South China Sea, Xi said that China must be "innovative in its concepts and methods of combat".

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said committed to "standing with the Philippines against any intimidation or coercion, including in the South China Sea". The US and the Philippines are holding their largest-ever joint military drills this week.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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President Xi Jinping has asked China's military forces to focus on "strengthening the military training oriented towards actual combat", the nation's state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday (April 12).

President Xi Jinping has asked China's military forces to focus on "strengthening the military training oriented towards actual combat", the nation's state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday (April 12). The report mentioned that Xi's comments were made during his naval inspection trip on Tuesday. The visit took place hours after the military drills by China's People's Liberation Army in region around Taiwan. The military drills were launched in the aftermath of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the United States, which angered China. During the visit, Tsai also met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The state broadcaster CCTV reported that Xi on Tuesday told the People's Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command Navy that the military must "resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, and strive to protect overall peripheral stability". Beijing has also criticised a plan for US forces to use a growing number of bases in the Philippines, including one near Taiwan. WATCH | North Korea FIRES ballistic missile into seas between Japan and South Korea × Meanwhile, a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) mentioned that China has come up with new rules for the recruitment of soldiers in wartime. The report noted that veterans have been listed as a priority, which according to military analysts means that it is an enhancement of PLA combat readiness for a war over Taiwan. Amid simmering tensions in the South China Sea, Xi said that China must be "innovative in its concepts and methods of combat". US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said committed to "standing with the Philippines against any intimidation or coercion, including in the South China Sea". The US and the Philippines are holding their largest-ever joint military drills this week. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid Taiwan tensions, Xi Jinping ask Chinese troops to strengthen training for ‘actual combat’

U.S. President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are expected to talk on Thursday, a source familiar with the planning said, with Taiwan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine expected to be key agenda items.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday that managing economic competition between the two countries would also be a focus of the call.

It will be the fifth call between the leaders, and comes as China has delivered heightened warnings to the Biden administration about a possible visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to democratically governed Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.

"Everything from the tensions over Taiwan, to the war in Ukraine, as well as how we better manage competition between our two nations, certainly in the economic sphere," Kirby said of the topics to be discussed.

"This is a call that has been scheduled for a long time and there's already a pretty robust agenda of things for these two leaders to talk about," he said.

Asked at a regular briefing on Wednesday in Beijing to confirm the call, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said he had no information to offer.

Under its one-China policy, the United States does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but is bound by U.S. law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. The White House has been quick to reiterate that stance has not changed despite speculation over a possible trip by Pelosi.

Kirby said that Pelosi is in the line of succession to the presidency and as such, her overseas travel was a matter of U.S. national security. But only she could make decisions about her travel.

"Bellicosity" in rhetoric from China over the possible trip only escalates tensions, he said.

"We find that unhelpful and certainly not in the least bit necessary given the situation," he said.

The administration has been debating whether to lift some tariffs on Chinese goods as a way to boost the U.S. economy, but Kirby said a decision was not expected ahead of the call.

The call comes as the U.S. Congress considers legislation known as the CHIPs act to provide about $52 billion in subsidies for the U.S. semiconductor industry, as well as an investment tax credit for chip plants estimated to be worth $24 billion, which Biden has urged as crucial for competing with China economically.

Biden referred to the planned call with Xi during virtual remarks urging passage of the legislation on Monday, telling reporters: "That's my expectation, but I'll let you know when that gets set up."

'Provocations'

The prospect of Pelosi's trip is only one in a long list of disagreements that have frayed U.S.-China relations.

Earlier on Tuesday, senior U.S. officials accused China of increased "provocations" against rival territorial claimants in the South China Sea and said "aggressive and irresponsible behaviour" by Chinese ships and aircraft meant it was only a matter of time before a major incident or accident.

A trip to Taiwan by Pelosi would be the first by a House speaker to the island since 1997, and China has said it is prepared to take strong measures in response.

Zhu Feng, dean of the Institute of International Studies at China's Nanjing University, said a Taiwan visit by Pelosi would be "playing with fire".

"This is the issue that irks China the most," he said.

"On the call, both sides need to give each other a positive signal that says we can have basic trust in each other, which is especially needed as the world remains fragile and volatile. Not condoning Pelosi's Taiwan visit is a prerequisite to building this trust," he said.

Asked about the possible visit, Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang said on Wednesday it welcomes any "friendly foreign guests" to visit the island. He did not elaborate.

Taiwan's foreign ministry has said it has not received any definite information regarding a Pelosi visit and has no comment on the matter.

Daniel Russel, who served as the top U.S. diplomat for Asia under former President Barack Obama, said the Taiwan issue had the makings of a real crisis, without any U.S.-China mechanism to prevent that from escalating into conflict.

He said it was not clear how much pressure the Biden administration was exerting on Pelosi, but Xi was likely to push hard on the issue in the call, and added: "We are in a high-risk moment and it behooves leaders in both countries to tread carefully."

Nonetheless, Craig Singleton, a senior China fellow at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said Xi would likely seek to project calm as he faces a slowing economy under pressure from strict domestic COVID-19 measures ahead of a key Communist Party congress later this year.

"While Xi will be clear and direct in raising China's objections about Speaker Pelosi's trip, he will probably not allow that one issue to derail the entire conversation, as doing so would further complicate his already difficult governing agenda," Singleton said.

U.S. President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are expected to talk on Thursday, a source familiar with the planning said, with Taiwan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine expected to be key agenda items.

U.S. President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are expected to talk on Thursday, a source familiar with the planning said, with Taiwan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine expected to be key agenda items. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday that managing economic competition between the two countries would also be a focus of the call. It will be the fifth call between the leaders, and comes as China has delivered heightened warnings to the Biden administration about a possible visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to democratically governed Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. "Everything from the tensions over Taiwan, to the war in Ukraine, as well as how we better manage competition between our two nations, certainly in the economic sphere," Kirby said of the topics to be discussed. "This is a call that has been scheduled for a long time and there's already a pretty robust agenda of things for these two leaders to talk about," he said. Asked at a regular briefing on Wednesday in Beijing to confirm the call, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said he had no information to offer. Under its one-China policy, the United States does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but is bound by U.S. law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. The White House has been quick to reiterate that stance has not changed despite speculation over a possible trip by Pelosi. Kirby said that Pelosi is in the line of succession to the presidency and as such, her overseas travel was a matter of U.S. national security. But only she could make decisions about her travel. "Bellicosity" in rhetoric from China over the possible trip only escalates tensions, he said. "We find that unhelpful and certainly not in the least bit necessary given the situation," he said. The administration has been debating whether to lift some tariffs on Chinese goods as a way to boost the U.S. economy, but Kirby said a decision was not expected ahead of the call. The call comes as the U.S. Congress considers legislation known as the CHIPs act to provide about $52 billion in subsidies for the U.S. semiconductor industry, as well as an investment tax credit for chip plants estimated to be worth $24 billion, which Biden has urged as crucial for competing with China economically. Biden referred to the planned call with Xi during virtual remarks urging passage of the legislation on Monday, telling reporters: "That's my expectation, but I'll let you know when that gets set up." 'Provocations' The prospect of Pelosi's trip is only one in a long list of disagreements that have frayed U.S.-China relations. Earlier on Tuesday, senior U.S. officials accused China of increased "provocations" against rival territorial claimants in the South China Sea and said "aggressive and irresponsible behaviour" by Chinese ships and aircraft meant it was only a matter of time before a major incident or accident. A trip to Taiwan by Pelosi would be the first by a House speaker to the island since 1997, and China has said it is prepared to take strong measures in response. Zhu Feng, dean of the Institute of International Studies at China's Nanjing University, said a Taiwan visit by Pelosi would be "playing with fire". "This is the issue that irks China the most," he said. "On the call, both sides need to give each other a positive signal that says we can have basic trust in each other, which is especially needed as the world remains fragile and volatile. Not condoning Pelosi's Taiwan visit is a prerequisite to building this trust," he said. Asked about the possible visit, Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang said on Wednesday it welcomes any "friendly foreign guests" to visit the island. He did not elaborate. Taiwan's foreign ministry has said it has not received any definite information regarding a Pelosi visit and has no comment on the matter. Daniel Russel, who served as the top U.S. diplomat for Asia under former President Barack Obama, said the Taiwan issue had the makings of a real crisis, without any U.S.-China mechanism to prevent that from escalating into conflict. He said it was not clear how much pressure the Biden administration was exerting on Pelosi, but Xi was likely to push hard on the issue in the call, and added: "We are in a high-risk moment and it behooves leaders in both countries to tread carefully." Nonetheless, Craig Singleton, a senior China fellow at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said Xi would likely seek to project calm as he faces a slowing economy under pressure from strict domestic COVID-19 measures ahead of a key Communist Party congress later this year. "While Xi will be clear and direct in raising China's objections about Speaker Pelosi's trip, he will probably not allow that one issue to derail the entire conversation, as doing so would further complicate his already difficult governing agenda," Singleton said.

Biden, Xi to hold talks on July 28, call expected to cover Taiwan tension, Ukraine, says US

Amid rising tensions and fears of animosity, Secretary of State Antony Blinken will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at the upcoming G20 foreign ministers meeting. The talks come after US president Joe Biden said he hopes to have another conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the coming weeks.

US-China meet amid rising tensions over Taiwan

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