Nancy Pelosi's impending Taiwan trip.

Pentagon draws up contingency plan for the trip. US officials say they have little fear that China would attack Nancy Pelosi's plane if she flies to Taiwan but the US House Speaker would be entering one of the hottest spots where a mishap, misstep or misunderstanding could endanger her safety. So the Pentagon is developing plans for any contingency.

Heavy Security Cover In Place

The US would have to be prepared for any incident, even an accident in the air or on the ground. Officials said the US would need to have rescue capabilities nearby and suggested that could include helicopters on ships already in the area.

Officials have declined to provide details but said that fighter jets, ships, surveillance assets and other military systems would likely be used to provide overlapping rings of protection for her flight to Taiwan and any time on the ground there.

Biden-Xi Talks

Pelosi's potential visit to Taiwan is likely to dominate a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Joe Biden which the US president expects will take place this week.

China Warns Of Forceful Response

Beijing objects to all official contact between Taipei and Washington and routinely threatens retaliation. This time, the stakes appear to be higher.

China is warning it will respond forcefully if the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi proceeds with a visit to Taiwan, the self governing island democracy it claims as its own territory.

What's Pelosi's Business In Taiwan?

Taiwan enjoys strong bipartisan support in Congress and Pelosi had said last week that it was important for "us to show support for Taiwan".

My take

A case of "damned if you did, damned if you don't" situation for the US, with the following repercussions :-

   (a) A loss of face if it were to call off Pelosi's visit.

   (b) A tremendous setback to its superpower status.

   (c) The premise that it's scared of China and can be made to behave by the red dragon gets credence!

China, definitely, seems to be in a superior position in this episode, as of now. However, it can have a severe loss of face if the US pulls off the visit because it's literally in its backyard!

Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

Off to the bank to get work done. Met Rajesh, the new Branch Manager.

Lekha and Letha go to the Guruvayur and Mammiyoor temples to pay obeisance. It's the latter's last day with us on this visit.