Chief of EU Intel cancels secret trip to Taiwan after China finds out

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Director of EU Intelligence, Jose Casimiro Morgado, canceled a secret visit to Taiwan in October after plans were leaked to Beijing, which in turn pressured the EU into aborting this visit, according to a report by Politico.

EU spokesperson responded to the news by claiming that the plan was never to visit Taiwan, but to hold phone conversations with Taiwanese officials, however, even that was canceled after China's reaction to the visit of US House Speaker Pelosi to the island.

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Following the news about Morgado's visit, the Chinese mission to the EU stated that China “has consistently and firmly opposed any form of official exchanges between the Taiwan region and countries or organizations having diplomatic ties with China.”

The understanding in Taiwan was that the Director of EU Intelligence was to visit the island, but an EU official aware of the matter contradicted that and told Politico that Morgado only intended to hold phone meetings with Taiwanese officials, not visit. 

Tensions with China regarding Taiwan have been rising ever since Pelosi landed on the island last August, in a step described by China as a critical blow to the "One-China" principle, and a threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The risky visit taken by Pelosi caused a wave of geopolitical repercussions and global alarm for fear of escalating tensions. Ahead of her arrival, not only did it prompt China to assemble its military assets and personnel, but Taiwan also administered drills on the island to prepare for a worst-case scenario, in the event war breaks out.

Following the visit, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the Chinese government will undoubtedly complete the reunification process with Taiwan: "We will leave no space for external interference and to forces supporting Taiwan’s independence," he said.