Pelosi’s Taiwan visit to cause ‘major shocks’ at intl. level: Iranian diplomat

A senior Iranian diplomat says US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s incendiary visit to Taiwan is a “turning point” in the already tense ties between China and the United States and will have reverberations across the world.

In a tweet on Tuesday night, Reza Zabib, the director general of the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s Asia and Oceania Department, described the heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing as “Cold War II,” which he said will bring about “major shocks” to international relations.

“Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is a turning point in relations between China and America and it will affect international relations with the reverberations it creates,” Zabib said.

“Until Cold War II is consolidated, international relations will experience major shocks,” he warned.

Pelosi touched down in a military aircraft in Taiwan late on Tuesday, defying a series of increasingly stark warnings from China, which views Taiwan as its territory.

The US House speaker is the highest-profile elected American official to visit Chinese Taipei in 25 years.

Condemning the visit, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani said on Tuesday that it was part of US officials’ interference in China’s domestic affairs and will only foment tensions in the region.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers respect for the territorial integrity of countries to be among the principles of its foreign policy, and support for the One-China policy is unquestionable in line with this tenet,” he said.

• Iran condemns US meddling in China's affairs as Pelosi visits Taiwan

Under the One China policy, nearly all countries across the globe recognize Beijing’s sovereignty over Chinese Taipei, including the US, which nevertheless courts the secessionist government in Taipei, supports its anti-China stance, and supplies it with massive amounts of armaments.

China appreciates Iran’s support

Chinese Ambassador to Tehran Chang Hua said in response to Kan’ani’s statement that his country appreciates Iran’s condemnation of US provocations.

“We praise the Iranian side’s condemnation of America’s provocative actions and interference in China’s internal affairs,” he tweeted.

The Chinese envoy also wrote in a separate tweet that Beijing appreciates Iran’s continued support for the One China policy.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, in an hour-long phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Friday, voiced the Islamic Republic’s firm support for the One China policy, denouncing Washington’s interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

• Raeisi tells Xi: Iran fully backs 'One China' policy

Meanwhile, China summoned US Ambassador Nicholas Burns late on Tuesday and warned that Washington “shall pay the price” over the move.

“The move is extremely egregious in nature and the consequences are extremely serious,” China’s Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng said.

The Chinese military also said it was on “high alert” and would “launch a series of targeted military actions in response” to the visit.

In a phone call with US President Joe Biden last week, Xi warned Washington against “playing with fire” on Taiwan.

“Those who play with fire will be burnt. I hope the US can clearly see this,” the Chinese president asserted.

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