Kevin McCarthy Heading to Taiwan Later This Year

(RepublicanReport.org) – Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) traveled to Taiwan in 2022. That excursion marked the first time a top American official visited the island since Newt Gingrich (R-GA) went in 1997. Pelosi’s successor, Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), is now set to do the same in 2023.

The Pentagon is reportedly preparing for new U.S. Speaker Kevin McCarthy to visit Taiwan. pic.twitter.com/4foPWiMKVo

— TaiwanPlus (@taiwanplusnews) January 24, 2023

According to Punchbowl News, the Pentagon is gearing up for McCarthy to travel abroad sometime this year. An unidentified official reportedly involved in the process declared that Taiwan was, in fact, one of the Speaker’s intended destinations. An exact date is not yet known.

The excursion overseas is a massive feat for the Pentagon. Officials need to ensure McCarthy’s safety while also considering how China might respond.

When Pelosi visited Taiwan in 2022, China’s military rapidly increased drills in the area, perhaps in an attempt to intimidate the US government. Meanwhile, top Chinese officials criticized the Democrat’s trip for violating America’s policy regarding the island nation.

McCarthy, who was serving as House Minority Leader at the time of the trip, expressed his support for Pelosi traveling overseas. He also pledged to visit the island nation if he were to become the next House Speaker.

That’s a promise McCarthy seems clearly ready to keep. If the California conservative follows through, it could trigger a diplomatic showdown between China and the US. McCarthy’s Taiwan excursion comes at a time when Republicans in the lower chamber of Congress look to make countering China a focal point.

China’s predictable reaction to Pelosi’s trip suggests that it may once again respond with intimidation tactics if another top official travels to Taiwan. Both Republicans and Democrats continue to urge President Joe Biden to take a more pronounced and supportive stance on the island nation. They and many others fear that China will eventually launch a full-scale invasion against the tiny country, threatening its independence.