US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday kicked off an Asia tour that has been shrouded in secrecy following an escalation in tensions with China over Taiwan. With no word yet if Pelosi will make a stop on the island, a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson warns China will take "strong countermeasures" if Pelosi's visit to Taiwan happens, but stopped short of explaining what actions it would take. "If she dares to go, then let's wait and see," says spokesman Zhao Lijian. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES