U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday night, becoming the highest-ranking American official to visit the self-ruled island that is claimed by China in 25 years.Pelosi’s visit has triggered increased tensions between China and the United States.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, to be annexed by force if necessary, and views visits by foreign government officials as recognition of the island’s sovereignty.China had warned of “resolute and strong measures” if Pelosi went ahead with the trip.The Biden administration did not explicitly urge her to call it off, while seeking to assure Beijing it would not signal any change in U.S.
policy on Taiwan.Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Washington’s betrayal “on the Taiwan issue is bankrupting its national credibility.”“Some American politicians are playing with fire on the issue of Taiwan,” Wang said in a statement. “This will definitely not have a good outcome … the exposure of America’s bullying face again shows it as the world’s biggest saboteur of peace.” Nancy Pelosi begins Asia tour as questions swirl over Taiwan visit Pelosi said in a statement just after her arrival that the U.S.
delegation’s visit “honours America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant democracy.”“Our visit is one of several Congressional delegations to Taiwan – and it in no way contradicts longstanding United States policy,” she said.The plane carrying Pelosi and her delegation left Malaysia earlier Tuesday after a brief stop that included a working lunch with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry had declined to comment on whether Pelosi would visit.