US concerned about China possibly declaring 'no-fly zone' over Taiwan amid Pelosi's visit

China could declare a 'no-fly zone' over Taiwan, intensifying contention revolving around US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. Speaking to CNN under anonymity, a Washington official on Saturday voiced concern over China's "military response" rhetoric over American lawmaker's visit to Taipei.

Raising potential threat concerns, he ded China could also fly warcraft, infringing Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (IZ), triggering Taipei's response. However, he fell short of predicting what would happen if incident took place. Although, this is not first time Beijing will breach Taiwan's self-declared airspace. Over 100 such incursions took place in past six months, with nearly 56 attempts in a day in May.

developments come after Beijing categorically warned US against Pelosi's potential visit to deepen diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a step that China said will violate Washington's commitment to three communique under One-China Policy. For unversed, One-China Policy is a diplomatic acknowledgment of Taiwan being part of Chinese mainland. Although, US does not endorse policy, and has publicly mitted complete support to Taipei in case of a Chinese attack.

Notably, Pelosi's trip to Taiwan was first reported by Financial Times on July 19 but has not been confirmed by her office yet. Noting threats, US President Joe Biden has also vised against trip over bitter fallout with China regarding its stance on Russian war in Ukraine.

China warns of 'military action' if US lawmaker visits Taiwan

Irate China on Friday said it would take decisive measures if US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian, during a presser, warned of "military action", asserting that US must face "consequences" if American lawmaker visited Taipei, effectively defying One China Policy. " US must not arrange for Speaker Pelosi to visit Taiwan region and must stop official interactions with Taiwan, stop creating factors that could le to tensions in Taiwan Strait, and follow through on US commitment of not supporting Taiwan independence,” Zhao said. Chinese official ded that Beijing will be provoked to take "resolute measures" to hinder Pelosi's visit, ding that Washington "must assume full responsibility for any ensuing consequences."

While China previously condemned US delegation visiting Taiwan, proposed visit of top American lawmaker has irked Beijing to unprecedented levels. China said visit largely violated "sovereignty and territorial integrity and provoked instability in region." This will be first US Speaker-level visit in 25 years from Washington.