https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/pelosi-ta ... -1.6538434
U.S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives in Taiwan for official visit heavily criticized by China
Highest-ranking American official to visit Taiwan in 25 years
The Associated Press · Posted: Aug 02, 2022
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived in Taiwan late Tuesday, becoming the highest-ranking American official in 25 years to visit the self-ruled island claimed by China, which quickly announced that it would conduct military manoeuvres in retaliation for her presence.
Pelosi arrived aboard a U.S. air force passenger jet and was greeted on the tarmac at Taipei's international airport by Taiwan's foreign minister and other Taiwanese and American officials. She posed for photos before her motorcade whisked her unseen into the parking garage of a hotel.
Pelosi's visit has ratcheted up tension between China and the United States because China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, and it views visits by foreign government officials as recognition of the island's sovereignty.
The speaker framed the trip as part of a broader mission at a time when "the world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy."
Her visit comes after she led a congressional delegation to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the spring, and it serves as a capstone to her many years of promoting democracy abroad.
"We must stand by Taiwan," she said in an opinion piece published by The Washington Post on her arrival in Taiwan. She cited the commitment that the U.S. made to a democratic Taiwan under a 1979 law.
"It is essential that America and our allies make clear that we never give in to autocrats," she wrote.
'Solemn deterrent'
Soon after Pelosi's arrival, China announced a series of military operations and drills, which followed promises of "resolute and strong measures" if she went through with her visit.
The People's Liberation Army said the manoeuvres would take place starting Tuesday night in the waters and skies near Taiwan and include the firing of long-range ammunition in the Taiwan Strait.
"This action is a solemn deterrent against the recent major escalation of the negative actions of the United States on the Taiwan issue, and a serious warning to the 'Taiwan independence' forces seeking 'independence.'"
Taiwan's Defence Ministry said early Wednesday that China had sent 21 planes flying toward Taiwan, 18 of them fighter jets. The rest included an early warning plane and an electronic warfare plane.
China's official Xinhua News said the army planned to conduct live-fire drills from Thursday through Sunday across multiple locations.
In an image the news agency released, the drills were to take place in six different areas in the waters surrounding Taiwan.
"This action is a solemn deterrent against the recent major escalation of the negative actions of the United States on the Taiwan issue, and a serious warning to the 'Taiwan independence' forces seeking 'independence.'"
Taiwan's Defence Ministry said early Wednesday that China had sent 21 planes flying toward Taiwan, 18 of them fighter jets. The rest included an early warning plane and an electronic warfare plane.
China's official Xinhua News said the army planned to conduct live-fire drills from Thursday through Sunday across multiple locations.
In an image the news agency released, the drills were to take place in six different areas in the waters surrounding Taiwan.