China reportedly vows 'targeted military operations' after Pelosi visits Taiwan

The Chinese military is reportedly poised to engage in "targeted military operations" in response to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan on Tuesday, Communist Party officials said on Tuesday afternoon. 

Pelosi made the visit in part for what she said was a demonstration that the U.S. "honors America's unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan's vibrant democracy," the speaker said after landing. 

Chinese defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian, meanwhile, indicated that the Chinese military may respond to the visit with force. The Chinese government insists it retains territorial sovereignty over Taiwan, the latter of which has insisted on its own independence. 

"The Chinese People's Liberation Army is on high alert and will launch a series of targeted military operations to counter this, resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely thwart external interference and 'Taiwan independence' separatist attempts," Wu said in a statement on Tuesday. 

Pelosi in an op-ed published at the Washington Post on Tuesday said Taiwan is "an island of resilience" and that the U.S. must "stand by" it.