After much speculation, it has been confirmed that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will visit Taiwan during her tour of Asia. (Related: Welcome to Recess (Sorta) and Pelosi in Taiwan)
“It is my privilege as Speaker to lead this distinguished group of Members, which includes Chairs of Committees and Subcommittees of jurisdiction and champions of a strong U.S.-Asia Pacific partnership,” Speaker Pelosi said. “We look forward to productive meetings that will continue to inform Congress's work to advance our values and interests and strengthen our partnerships in the region.”
Pelosi's visit to the self-ruled country claimed by China comes amid heightened tensions between the countries. China has threatened to retaliate against the U.S. for sending the high-ranking representative on the official visit. According to White House national security spokesman John Kirby China may fire missiles near Taiwan, conduct large-scale air or naval activities, or make “spurious legal claims,” such as asserting that the Taiwan Strait is not an international waterway.
“Our discussions with Taiwan leadership will focus on reaffirming our support for our partner and on promoting our shared interests,” Pelosi said in her first statement since arriving in Taiwan late Tuesday night local time.
According to Fox News, Taiwanese authorities confirmed Tuesday that the Office of the President's website fell victim to an “overseas cyber-attack.” While the attacker has yet to be identified the hack came just hours before Chinese warplanes flew close to the unofficial dividing line that separates the Taiwan Strait between mainland China and Taiwan. Chinese planes reportedly engaged in tactical moves and repeatedly “touched” the aerial boundaries before retreating.
Pelosi's visit to Taiwan has already been met with bipartisan support. Shortly after her arrival 26 Senate Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is the highest-ranking US official to visit Taiwan since Speaker Newt Gingrich's visit in 1997.
China has condemned Pelosi's visit as a “serious violation of the one-China principle” and has vowed to “defend” itself from U.S. presence in Taiwan.
“This is a serious violation of the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiqués. It has a severe impact on the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and seriously infringes upon China's sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote. “There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.”
“Since Speaker Pelosi is the incumbent leader of the U.S. Congress, her visit to and activities in Taiwan, in whatever form and for whatever reason, is a major political provocation to upgrade U.S. official exchanges with Taiwan. China absolutely does not accept this, and the Chinese people absolutely reject this,” the ministry wrote.
“No country, no forces and no individual should ever misestimate the firm resolve, strong will and great capability of the Chinese Government and people to defend state sovereignty and territorial integrity and to achieve national reunification and rejuvenation. China will definitely take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to the U.S. Speaker's visit.”
This story is developing. Stay with American Liberty News for the latest updates
Just landed in Taiwan 800 AM PST
The warmongers of D.C. have started sabre rattling.
Advancing democrat values? Doesn’t that men China should be thrilled because her values are a 100% match for theirs?
Apparently, none of Pelousy’s $$$came from Red China or. crack Hunter.
And I suppose the American taxpayers are footing the bill once again for another of her farce events. This alcoholic,corrupt lying **** has no business traveling to Asia or east bum**** Egypt for that matter. She serves absolutely NO purpose in this BS dog and pony show. With any luck the communist chinese will keep them all — FOREVER !!!!!!!
Once Nancy decided to go and China told us she can’t, she had to go. China doesn’t get to dictate to the U.S. where and when our representatives can go in this world. Unfortunately Joe and Hunter are bound like Siamese twins to China and they also hold most of our debt because congress can’t stop spending more than we have.