Speaker Pelosi is scheduled to officially visit Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan

Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Congressional delegation traveled to Singapore on Monday, kicking off the first leg of her trip to the Indo-Pacific region.

In a statement she reaffirmed America’s strong partnership with what she called an important ally and friend. The group also held bilateral meetings with key government leaders. Next, they are scheduled to visit Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan.

Meanwhile, Taiwan officials and media outlets are reporting that the speaker will visit the island nation, which would make the House Speaker the highest ranking American official to visit the independently governed Island since then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich in 1997.

Word of Pelosi’s trip did not sit well with China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and any trip by a high-ranking American official as confirmation of U.S. support for the Island’s independence.

The Chinese military posted a propaganda video of its troops launching missiles, grabbing weapons, and taking off in fighter jets ahead of the Speaker’s visit to the region.

Back in Washington, Admiral John Kirby the Pentagon spokesperson fielded questions about the escalating tensions with Beijing.

“There is no reason for Beijing to turn a potential visit consistent with longstanding U.S. policy into some sort of crisis,” Kirby said. Pelosi has not confirmed that she plans to visit Taiwan, but indications suggest that she will make a stop on the self-governing island without prior announcement.

Many politicians from both sides of the aisle say that if Speaker Pelosi does not visit Taiwan, then she is effectively handing China a victory.