China has warned that "our military will not sit idly by" if US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan.
According to the British news agency Reuters, this latest threat from the Chinese government was given at the Foreign Ministry's briefing on Monday.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that the visit to Taiwan as the third-highest official of the US government will have a great political impact.
Nancy Pelosi is on a four-nation tour of Asia, and during her visit to Singapore on Monday, rumors swirled that she might visit independent Taiwan to anger Beijing.
On the other hand, after such rumours, Nancy Pelosi's office clarified on Sunday that her schedule includes Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, and Taiwan was not mentioned.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian called Nancy Pelosi's possible visit a major interference in China's internal affairs and said "it will have serious consequences."
"We want to say to the United States once again that China is ready, the people and the army of China will not sit idly by and serious measures and a strong response will be demonstrated for our integrity."
When asked what kind of measures will be taken? So said Zhao
"If he (Pelosi) dares to go there, then wait for us to see what we do."
China's sending of a US representative to Taiwan is seen as encouraging its pro-independence camp.
Washington does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but is bound by US law to support Taiwan's self-defense measures.
Nancy Pelosi's visit comes at a time when relations between the US and China are already deteriorating.
Newt Genreich, the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, visited Taiwan in 1997.
In a telephone call on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Joe Biden that the US should adhere to the 'one China' principle.
"Those who are trying to play with fire, it will burn them to ashes."
