China sanctions Nancy Pelosi over Taiwan visit

Beijing said it would take measures against the US House Speaker and her family

People walk past a billboard welcoming US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Taipei, Taiwan. AP

A US military aircraft carrying Ms Pelosi makes its descent at Songshan Airport in Taipei. AFP

Supporters outside Songshan Airport welcome Ms Pelosi. Bloomberg

Ms Pelosi is visiting Taiwan as part of a tour of Asia aimed at reassuring allies in the region. Getty Images

A Taipei 101 skyscraper message welcomes Ms Pelosi to Taiwan. EPA

Ms Pelosi is greeted by Joseph Wu, Taiwan's foreign minister, at Songshan Airport. EPA / Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ms Pelosi poses for a group photo with Mr Wu and other officials on the tarmac. EPA / Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ms Pelosi is the highest-ranking US official to visit the island in 25 years. Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs / AP

Ms Pelosi poses with members of her delegation and Taiwanese officials. AP

Police officers stand outside the Grand Hyatt Taipei. Bloomberg

Police officers await a convoy carrying Ms Pelosi outside the Grand Hyatt Taipei. Bloomberg

Police officers await a convoy carrying Ms Pelosi. Bloomberg

Throngs of media wait outside the Grand Hyatt Taipei. Bloomberg

The convoy carrying Ms Pelosi arrives at the Grand Hyatt. Bloomberg

People hope to take a photo of Ms Pelosi's arrival outside the hotel. Reuters

Supporters gathered outside the Grand Hyatt welcome Ms Pelosi. Bloomberg

Demonstrators show their support for Ms Pelosi's visit. Reuters

The Taipei 101 building lit up with a message reading 'TW hearts US'. Bloomberg

Demonstrators in Taipei show their support of the US as Ms Pelosi arrives. Reuters

Not everyone in Taipei is thrilled by Ms Pelosi's visit. AP

China’s announced sanctions against US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday after her visit to Taiwan this week prompted outrage from Beijing.

Its Foreign Ministry said Ms Pelosi was “seriously interfering in China’s internal affairs and seriously undermining China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”. It said China would “impose sanctions on Pelosi and her immediate family”, without giving further details.

Since Ms Pelosi left Taiwan this week, China has placed bans on importing dozens of goods from the island and launched major live-fire military drills that will last until midday on Sunday.

Beijing has insisted its war games are a “necessary” response to Ms Pelosi's visit, but Washington said China's leaders had “chosen to overreact”.

Ms Pelosi and US officials have repeatedly said her visit to Taiwan does not undermine Washington's “One China” policy. Beijing condemned the trip as a threat to stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The state-run Xinhua news agency said the Chinese military “flew more than 100 warplanes including fighters and bombers” during the exercises, as well as “over 10 destroyers and frigates”.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day take it, by force if necessary.

China has announced sanctions on a number of US officials in recent years for acting against what it views as its core interests and speaking out on human rights issues.

Former secretary of state Mike Pompeo and Peter Navarro ― a trade adviser to former president Donald Trump ― were among those hit by earlier waves of sanctions. They are forbidden from entering China as well as doing business with Chinese entities.