White House says Pelosi has a right to visit Taiwan
WASHINGTON, Aug 1 (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has the right to visit Taiwan, the White House said on Monday, adding that China appeared prepared to respond in coming days, possibly with military provocations.
Pelosi was set to visit Taiwan on Tuesday, three people briefed on the matter said, as China warned that its military would never "sit idly by" if she visited the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters at a briefing that nothing about Pelosi's possible trip changed U.S. policy toward Taiwan. (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Writing by Michael Martina; Editing by Chris Reese)
