China’s state media says Beijing should ‘forcibly dispel’ Pelosi’s plane if she visits Taiwan

On Friday prior to Pelosi's departure, a contributor to Chinese state-owned media warned that Beijing would not hesitate to take action if the US official touches down in Taiwan.

Global Times commentator Hu Xijn made the comments on Twitter.

"If US fighter jets escort Pelosi's plane into Taiwan, it is invasion," he began. "The [People's Liberation Army] has the right to forcibly dispel Pelosi's plane and the US fighter jets, including firing warning shots and making tactical movement of obstruction."

Hu added that if warning shots are "ineffective" in dissuading American planes, then the army should "shoot them down."

This is not the first time Hu has issued threats to Pelosi and the United States. Upon learning of the Speaker's trip to Asia, Hu tweeted that "US and Taiwan Taiwan authorities will definitely pay a high price for her visit."

He went on to say the situation could ultimately turn into a "military game," and "a good show full of suspense."

Via Twitter and columns in the Global Times, Hu has continuously offered warnings to the United States and Taiwan over the planned visit.

On Thursday, President Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping spoke on the phone, and the topic of Pelosi's trip inevitably came up.

According to Reuters, Xi warned Biden that any actions by US government officials that could be considered friendly to Taiwan would not go unnoticed by Beijing.

"Those who play with fire will only get burnt," Xi said, adding that the Chinese hope US officials "see this clearly."

In response, Biden told Xi that the American position on Taiwan remained consistent in opposition to Beijing's efforts to threaten the stability of the island.