USA: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's much-awaited visit to Asia has begun, with her office listing four locations but omitting Taiwan.
It comes amid additional storm warnings from Beijing amid rising tensions over its intended visit to the island.

Pelosi, who is third in line to become US president, is leading a six-member congressional delegation to Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, according to a statement released by her office on Sunday.

Tensions escalated after days of persistent rumors about a possible halt, with the statement making no mention of Taiwan. Beijing referred to the rumors as "provoking" and cautioned Washington against "playing with fire".

"Our delegation will hold high-level meetings in Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan to discuss how we can pursue our shared interests and values, including peace and security, economic development and trade," the statement quoted Pelosi as saying. The COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, human rights and democratic governance.

The 82-year-old Democratic lawmaker declared that the US is "strongly committed to smart, strategic engagement in the region, understanding that a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific is vital to prosperity in our country and around the world."

Beijing cautions against any official exchanges with the autonomous island and views Taiwan as a separate province that should be reunited by force if necessary.
Ahead of his planned visit, Pelosi was accused of supporting "Taiwan independence" in defiance of the US's declared one-China policy.

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