My Take | EU and US politicians can’t resist Pelosi’s stunt
- At the Cannes Film Festival, a leading starlet pulls a stunt on the red carpet and then every wannabe star follows suit and hopes for the same publicity. The same principle applies in politics
Say what you like about Nancy Pelosi and her controversial visit to Taiwan. It was political theatre at its grandest. How many people could claim to have single-handedly provoked a full-scale military drill from mainland China? That has to be one for the ages.
Now, copycats are making the same pilgrimage, hoping to generate more fire and brimstone from the mainland to make themselves feel important.
You know how it is at the Cannes Film Festival. A leading starlet pulls a stunt on the red carpet and generates worldwide tabloid coverage. Then every actor-wannabe follows suit and hopes for the same publicity. The same principle applies.
The latest to visit is a Republican senator, Marsha Blackburn.
“I will not be bullied by Communist China into turning my back on the island,” she declared loudly. Brave words. Bravo to that!
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US Senator calls Taiwan an ‘independent nation’ in latest congressional visit to self-ruled island
Unfortunately for her, it’s unlikely Beijing and the People’s Liberation Army will stage another drill for her benefit. Such shows are expensive and reserved for truly important people from the United States such as Pelosi, not mere VIPs like Blackburn.