Pelosi visit to Taiwan is madness

It seems totally idiotic of Pelosi to visit Taiwan at this time.

First, the US focus should at present be absolutely on supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia. It’s interests should be about isolating Russia and the risk here is that this just pushes Beijing to come out more fully in support of Russia - with arms supplies, finance and trade. Let’s not forget here that China has held back support for Russia for fear of irritating the US.

Maybe some people in the US don’t quite get it that Russia is the most clear and present danger to the Western world - Putin is actively pushing for regime change in the West. And if Putin succeeds there will be no Western Liberal Market system to counter the longer term threat from China.

Sure China represents a hegemonic threat to the US but over the medium to longer term. But if the US does not ensure Ukraine’s victory over Russia in Europe then it will have zero chance of countering China over the long term.

Second, Xi faces a difficult leadership battle later this year and surely Pelosi has handed him a nationalist win on a plate. Surely he will react with vigour and China and will rally behind their leader at this time of stress.