Chinese President Xi Jinping

The Chinese foreign ministry announced on Friday that China will impose sanctions on US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her close relatives in response to her provocative visit to Taiwan, a move that Russian diplomat Sergey Lavrov named an act of lawlessness by Washington.

A “free and open Indo-Pacific”

In a statement issued by the ministry, it indicated that US official Pelosi dealt a critical blow to the "One-China" principle, and threatened peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, following a routine conducted by the US Navy in the strait prior to Pelosi’s arrival to the region, claiming its determination for a “free and open Indo-Pacific”.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping had previously warned US President Joe Biden that this plan will be observed as an act of openly playing with fire, but despite China’s consequent warnings to the US advising against Pelosi’s visit to the Taiwanese island, the flight still took off and the aftermath was alarming.

Possible irreversible repercussions

The risky visit taken by the US administration and Pelosi caused a wave of geopolitical repercussions and global alarm for fear of escalating tensions. Ahead of her arrival, not only did it prompt China to assemble its military assets and personnel, but Taiwan also administered drills on the island to prepare for a worst-case scenario, in the event war breaks out.

Asian and global markets took a sharp fall as well. Stocks in cities like Sydney, Jakarta, Tokyo and Shanghai saw a deep drop in value amid rising inflation and increasing prices. Following the impacts of Pelosi’s visit and departure, Russian diplomat Lavrov still pressed the US to remain committed to the One China policy and avoid further provocations.

"Based on the relevant legislation of China, the Chinese side has decided to impose sanctions on Pelosi and her close relatives following her provocative actions," the statement read. China has, since then, vowed to reunify with Taiwan, considering it a matter of “historic imminence”.