‘If she dares’: China warns Nancy Pelosi against visiting Taiwan

Threats of retaliation over a visit by Pelosi have driven concerns of a new crisis in the Taiwan Strait [File: J Scott Applewhite/AP]

China says its military will never “sit idly by” if US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi were to visit Taiwan, the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing.

In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian reiterated earlier warnings on Monday, saying “there will be serious consequences if she insists on making the visit”. He did not spell out any specific consequences.