As a sign of its displeasure with Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, Beijing increased military operations in the area, summoned the US ambassador to Beijing, and suspended many Taiwanese agricultural imports.
Pelosi landed in Taipei late Tuesday on an unannounced but keenly anticipated trip, claiming that it demonstrates the United States’ continuous support for Taiwan’s democratic institutions.
Pelosi commended President Tsai Ing-wen in her speech to parliament on Wednesday, despite Beijing’s suspicions that she is aiming for official independence, which is a red line for the country.
Pelosi stated, “We want the world to acknowledge your freedom,” while also asking for greater inter-parliamentary dialogue.
According to Pelosi, the new US legislation designed to help America’s semiconductor sector compete against China “offers greater possibilities for US-Taiwan economic collaboration.”
According to Pelosi, America’s solidarity with Taiwan is more important than ever before, and the United States’ commitment to preserving democracy in Taiwan and across the world is unwavering.
Later in the day, she was scheduled to meet with human rights campaigners.
Newt Gingrich, the previous Speaker of the House, visited Taiwan in 1997. This visit comes at a time when the relationship between the United States and China is at an all-time low and the China has grown into a far stronger economic powerhouse in recent decades.
When it comes to China’s territorial claim to Taiwan, it has never rescinded the use of force to achieve its goals. US officials advised China not to use the visit as a pretext for military action against Taiwan.
China’s customs department announced a suspension of imports of citrus fruits, chilled white striped hairtail, and frozen horse mackerel from Taiwan on Wednesday.
China’s military announced combined air and sea drill near Taiwan and conventional missile test launches east of Taiwan shortly after Pelosi’s arrival, with Chinese state news agency Xinhua reporting live-fire drills and other exercises surrounding Taiwan from Thursday through Sunday.
Pelosi’s visit has a significant influence on China-US ties and significantly infringes upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, said by China’s foreign ministry.
China’s warplanes buzzed the Taiwan Strait before Pelosi’s arrival on Tuesday. Pelosi’s journey to China has prompted China’s military to declare a state of “heightened readiness” and to conduct “targeted military activities.”
Speaking after Pelosi arrived, White House spokesman John Kirby said that the United States “is not going to be scared” by China’s threats or belligerent rhetoric, and that her visit should not spark a confrontation.
According to Kirby, China may use “economic pressure” in Taiwan, which may have a significant influence on U.S.-China ties in the next days and weeks.
Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the United States is obligated by law to support Taiwan with the resources necessary to protect its own territory. The Chinese government sees the arrival of US officials to Taiwan as a positive indication for the island’s pro-independence movement. Taiwan opposes China’s claims of sovereignty, stating that the destiny of the island belongs solely to the people of Taiwan.
Military awareness has been raised in Taiwan, according to the country’s security agencies on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the island’s defense ministry said that 21 Chinese planes had entered its air defense identification zone, and that China was conducting exercises in the surrounding waters in an attempt to intimidate major ports and cities.
