Chinese State Media Warns China Could Shoot Down Pelosi’s Plane If She Tries To Visit Taiwan

On Friday, a Chinese government propagandist said Friday warned that China could shoot down House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s plane if the Congresswoman tries to visit Taiwan.

The threat came as Pelosi departed for a tour through Asia that includes stops in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Former Chinese army officer Hu Xijin, who is now the editor of China’s government-run Global Times, responded to Pelosi’s departure by issuing a threat on social media.

“If US fighter jets escort Pelosi’s plane into Taiwan, it is invasion,” Hu said. “The PLA has the right to forcibly dispel Pelosi’s plane and the US fighter jets, including firing warning shots and making tactical movement of obstruction. If ineffective, then shoot them down.”

If US fighter jets escort Pelosi’s plane into Taiwan, it is invasion. The PLA has the right to forcibly dispel Pelosi’s plane and the US fighter jets, including firing warning shots and making tactical movement of obstruction. If ineffective, then shoot them down. https://t.co/V7LhrXgXoM

— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) July 29, 2022

Pelosi (D-CA) has refused to confirm reports that she will visit Taiwan during her trip in a demonstration of support for Taiwan’s independence.

“I don’t ever talk about my travel because as some of you know, it’s a security issue,” Pelosi told reporters at a news conference on Friday.

She later added, “I’m very excited if — should we go — to the countries that we, you’ll be hearing about along the way.”

The White House declined to respond to Hu’s threat, with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre calling it a “hypothetical.”

“We’re just not going to speak on her schedule,” Jean-Pierre said. “As we have said multiple times, we give advice and guidance to any members of Congress where they travel — to the region they travel, whether an — advice on [the] geopolitical situation in the region or in the country, and any national security issues that may arise, but again, I’m not going to speak to a hypothetical.”