Frankly I’m disappointed at the hyperbolic response leading up to Pelosi’s Taiwan visit from certain "China experts" in the West. If a Chinese state-media pundit claims that China will attack a foreign delegation, and you believe it, then you’re probably not an expert on China.1/
When China issues violent threats, people in Taiwan heighten our level of alertness and observe actual actions that follow the remarks, such as limited displays of force. We don’t ignore the comments, but we should focus on avoiding civilian accidents in the process. 2/
We focus on keeping people safe during these displays, instead of panicking over proclamations of full war, which would require months to prepare. We even maintain interactions with Chinese govt agencies that are NOT issuing exaggerated remarks, such as on a local level. 3/
Communist officials are encouraged to issue violent threats, but not expected to follow through. It’s a method of communication that requires reading between the lines. If Western “experts” allow targeted remarks to affect policy, they effectively help spread disinformation. 4/
So no, China won’t launch WWIII. China might express dissatisfaction, but that returns us to where we draw the line for yielding to China’s demands. I don’t think Taiwan should actively provoke China, but a trip unrelated to national sovereignty shouldn’t be seen as such. 5/5
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