This Video Does Not Show US Warships Sailing Near Taiwan
The Claim
A video shows U.S. warships and fighter jets maneuvering in the sea near Taiwan to ensure House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's arrival.
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A video purportedly showing U.S. warships and fighter jets maneuvering in the sea near Taiwan was recently circulated on social media. Some users claimed they were sent to ensure Nancy Pelosi's arrival.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating video and found it to be misleading.
According to Misbar's reverse image search, the original video depicts the U.S. 7th Fleet and was posted on YouTube on April 26, 2021.
The same video with the caption "U.S. Navy 7th Fleet in the Pacific Ocean" was posted on a Russian Telegram channel on May 22, 2021.
Is Nancy Pelosi Visiting Taiwan?
The claim started circulating after Nancy Pelosi announced that she was leading a congressional delegation that would be visiting Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan. Pelosi, however, did not mention Taiwan.
On July 27, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley stated, "If there is a decision made that Speaker Pelosi or anyone else is going to travel, and they ask for military support, we will do what is necessary to ensure the safe conduct of their visit."
President Biden told reporters last week that the U.S. military did not think Pelosi's trip was a good idea.
Pelosi visited Singapore on August 1, 2022, which was the start of her planned trip.
U.S Carrier Returns to South China
In response to escalating tensions with China over a possible trip to Taiwan by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a U.S. aircraft carrier and strike group have entered the South China Sea.
According to the U.S. Naval Institute's online news and analysis portal, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and the big deck amphibious ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) are operating near Taiwan.
China Warns Nancy Pelosi Not to Visit Taiwan
During a regular briefing on Thursday, Zhao Lijian, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, stated, "It is clear from this for everyone to see who is the biggest threat to the South China Sea and the Asian region's peace and stability."
China, on the other hand, has threatened to retaliate if Pelosi visits Taiwan, but has not provided any details.
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