Tensions between the US and China more than Taiwan have come up sporadically since, but this latest eruption is probably the most serious given the high political stakes involved for Xi.
However , it is within neither China’s nor the US’ passions to allow a military confrontation, although the chance of an accident leading to a wider conflagration can not be excluded.
It really is notable that within its army exercises in and around Taiwan , China continues to be careful to avoid traversing a median line in the strait itself. The Chinese army has conducted air and sea exercises. These have included live fire exercises.
Pelosi has been unrepentant about the diplomatic after effects the girl visit has triggered. In a Washington Post opinion piece launched after she got in Taiwan, the girl criticised Beijing with regard to increasing tensions with Taiwan. She furthermore took Beijing to task for its “brutal crackdown” on politics dissent in Hong Kong, and its mistreatment from the Muslim Uyghur group.