The United States accuses China of increased aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, promising to continue its maritime activities in the South China Sea.

But China is warning the U.S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi against a planned trip to Taiwan, which could further inflame tensions.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says China’s “escalatory” rhetoric ahead of a potential trip from Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan is “clearly unhelpful and not necessary.”

Kirby confirmed that Pelosi has yet to formally announce a trip to Taiwan, a self-governing island nation off the coast of China, and the U.S. has not changed its policies concerning the two countries.

Beijing vows ‘consequences’ if Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan

Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s rumoured plan for a trip to Taiwan has infuriated China and left the White House with a serious geopolitical headache.

China warned of “serious consequences” if Nancy Pelosi were to proceed with a visit to Taiwan.

Mrs Pelosi would be the highest ranking US politician to travel to the self-governing island democracy since 1997.

She is second in line to the Presidency.

She has declined to discuss details of the trip, but said last week that it was “important for us to show support for Taiwan”.

The potential trip has not only rankled Beijing – the Biden administration has reportedly tried to dissuade the California Democrat, 82, from going.