The speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, 82 landed in Taiwan’s capital of Taipei on Tuesday night for a controversial visit that has profusely infuriated China and further strained the already tense U.S.-China relations.
Pelosi, second in line to the U.S presidency ignored numerous warnings from China not to set foot in the disputed Island.
“By traveling to Taiwan, we honor our commitment to democracy, reaffirming that the freedoms of Taiwan and all democracies must be respected. Our delegation’s visit to Taiwan honors America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant Democracy,” tweeted Pelosi.
“Our discussions with Taiwan leadership reaffirm our support for our partner and promote our shared interests,” She added.
Chinese foreign ministry condemned Pelosi’s visit saying it jeopardizes peace and stability and pauses imminent threats to the region.
Chinese Armed forces were on Tuesday placed on high alert with targeted military operations in plan. Live fire exercises were seen just 80 miles from Taiwan. There were also Military patrols and the deployment of fighter jets to the Taiwan Straits. China has further announced new import bans on certain Taiwanese goods.
According to Aljazeera, Pelosi is the highest-profile elected US official to visit the island of Taiwan in 25 years.
Global academician Andy Mok revealed that a visit of such caliber incites vigilance more so with U.S – China relations soaring of late. “It will create much deeper destruction of trust in China towards U.S,” said Andy Mok of Center for China and Globalization while appearing on Aljazeera news.
Earlier, Reuters had reported that the U.S Navy had deployed four warships east of Taiwan ahead of the visit.
It should be noted that in May this year, the U.S President, Joe Biden said that the U.S. would be committed to defending Taiwan in case of an attack by mainland China. China claims the island is its own, and has threatened to invade if it declares independence.
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