US Speaker Nancy Pelosi Visits Taiwan Parliament Despite China’s Warning

Umamah Bakharia

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has landed in Taiwan despite Beijing’s warnings that Washington would pay the price if Pelosi went to Taiwan.

Her visit shows significant support to Taiwan as US-China relations are at a low point.

On Tuesday, Pelosi and the congressional delegation who accompanied her said the visit “honours America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant democracy.”

“Our discussions with Taiwan leadership will focus on reaffirming our support for our partner and promoting our shared interests, including advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” a statement by Pelosi’s delegation reads. “America’s solidarity with the 23 million people of Taiwan is more important today than ever, as the world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy.”

Pelosi’s stop in Taipei, Taiwan, is the first time a US House speaker has visited Taiwan in over 25 years.

China has since responded by announcing military exercises, warning that the speaker’s visit “has a severe impact on the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and seriously infringes upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister, Xie Feng, criticised the visit citing the trip was for political gain. “Anyone who attempts to manipulate the Taiwan issue to gain political gain … will eventually be nailed to the pillar of shame in history,” says Xie.

The House speaker is expected to leave Taiwan after meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen and the parliament at the presidential office.

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