Nigel Farage thinks “America might just do something” if China “wants to act”.
His comments come after US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived in Taiwan earlier on Tuesday despite China warning against the visit.
China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own, and a foreign ministry spokesman said earlier this week that any visit by Ms Pelosi would be "a gross interference in China's internal affairs" and warned that "the Chinese People's Liberation Army will never sit idly by."
The Chinese military has been put on high alert and will launch "targeted military operations" in response to Ms Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, China's defence ministry said.
Speaking on GB News’ Farage about Ms Pelosi’s arrival in Taiwan, Nigel said: “She’s landed in Taiwan, now this of course is seen by the Chinese as a very provocative move.
“Interestingly the White House didn’t seem to publicly back this trip and I know there are some British MPs like Tom Tugendhat who intend to visit Taiwan.
“America does have a pledge that it will defend Taiwan against aggression from China.
“But in response to this the Chinese authorities have now launched military exercises all around Taiwan including some live naval firing and some pretty strong statements, so China reacting very strongly to Nancy Pelosi being in Taiwan.
“Do we think it’s a brave thing for Pelosi to do? Do we think it’s a stupid thing for Pelosi to do?
“I have to say, I am not normally a fan of the Democrats but I think her going shows actually that, if the Chinese want to act, America might just do something, might just do something.”
Speaking on Twitter earlier today, Ms Pelosi wrote: "Our delegation’s visit to Taiwan honours America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant Democracy.
“Our discussions with Taiwan leadership reaffirm our support for our partner & promote our shared interests, including advancing a free & open Indo-Pacific region.
"America’s solidarity with the 23 million people of Taiwan is more important today than ever, as the world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy."
"Our visit is one of several Congressional delegations to Taiwan – and it in no way contradicts longstanding United States policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, U.S.-China Joint Communiques and the Six Assurances."
Nigel Farage
GB News
Nancy Pelosi has arrived in Taiwan
Reuters