US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has now left for her tour of Asia - but it's not yet known whether that will include a visit to Taiwan.
Pelosi is set to visit Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, but there has been widespread speculation that she may also visit the self-ruled island.
Taiwan is claimed by China, which has warned of "serious consequences" if she goes there.
Washington correspondent Simon Marks spoke to Corin Dann.
