China warns that Washington would "bear the consequences" if US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan, with tensions soaring between the two countries. Beijing has hit back hard against the United States after reports emerged last week that Pelosi, a Democrat who is second in line to the presidency, could visit the self-ruled island of Taiwan in August. "We are firmly opposed to Speaker Pelosi's visit to Taiwan," says Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian during a regular press conference in Beijing. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES