U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed to “strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capability” during her visit with the Taiwanese people as a symbol of solidarity in the face of Chinese aggression.
During her brief visit, Pelosi met with the Taiwanese president and reaffirmed that the U.S. is committed to the small, island nation, which faces ever-growing threats from the People’s Republic of China, The Wall Street Journal reported. The speaker of the house is the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Taiwan in a quarter-century.
“Our Congressional delegation’s visit should be seen as a strong statement that America stands with Taiwan,” Pelosi said, according to an Aug. 3 news release from her office. "We came to Taiwan to listen to, learn from and show our support for the people of Taiwan, who have built a thriving democracy that stands as one of the freest and most open in the world.”
In a speech delivered to the people of Taiwan, Pelosi said the world faces a choice between democracy and autocracy in a speech to the Taiwanese people. She said America remains ironclad in its support to preserve democracy in Taiwan and around the world, The Wall Street Journal reported.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year has made security over the Taiwan Strait another focus of worldwide attention. We will do whatever it takes to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capability,” she said, according to The Wall Street Journal article.
China held extensive military exercises Aug. 4, following Pelosi’s visit, Reuters reported. The PRC launched dozens of planes and fired active missiles in the Taiwan Strait, close to the island nation of Taiwan. In an official announcement, the Chinese government stated these exercises are “internal” and would continue in six separate zones until noon Sunday.
The government of Taiwan reported 22 Chinese jets flew across the median line between the two nations, Reuters reported. The government of Japan has reported five missiles landed within its economic zone. State broadcaster CCTV has reported the Chinese drills involved more than 100 bombers and fighter jets, as well as more than 10 warships.
The PRC claims Taiwan to be part of its sovereign territory. However, the small island nation has its own economy, elections, government and media, according to The Wall Street Journal article. The U.S. does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation but has also vowed to provide military aid to the island if mainland China seeks to invade and conquer Taiwan.
