Taipei, 3 August 2022 (TDI): The US Speaker of House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi ended her trip to Taiwan on Wednesday.
With Nancy Pelosi’s announcement that she would be leading a congressional delegation to the Indo-Pacific region, many had speculated about her possible visit to Taiwan.
However, before actually arriving in Taiwan on Tuesday night, the Speaker had made no prior announcements.
I’m leading a Congressional delegation to the Indo-Pacific to reaffirm America’s unshakeable commitment to our allies & friends in the region. In Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea & Japan, we’ll hold high-level meetings to discuss how we can further our shared interests & values.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 31, 2022
Her visit started from Singapore and then from Kuala Lumpur, the plane carrying her; “SPAR19” made a direct tour towards the east and totally ignored the South China Sea. With no specific announcements, people had heavily relied on tracking the plane’s route.
With this, SPAR19 became the most followed plane around the globe with more than 700,000 observers. Moreover, Nancy Pelosi also became one of the most followed Speakers in the US.
Also Read: US Speaker Nancy Pelosi lands in Taiwan
The US Speaker along with her congressional delegation met the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday. The two sides discussed strengthening Taiwan and America’s economic ties.
Our delegation had the distinct privilege of meeting with the President of Taiwan @Iingwen today.
We discussed how America & Taiwan can deepen our economic ties, further strengthen our security partnership & defend our shared democratic values. pic.twitter.com/VL509UYK4x
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 3, 2022
Their meeting also saw a discussion on strengthening the partnership between the two states to defend democracy. Nancy Pelosi thanked the President of Taiwan for her warm welcome. The President of Taiwan also expressed gratitude for the Speaker’s visit.
Delighted to host @SpeakerPelosi & the #US House delegation to #Taiwan along with leaders from our government & tech sector. Thank you for your principled support for closer bilateral ties founded on our shared values of democracy, freedom & respect for human rights. pic.twitter.com/68aJBJeiOo
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) August 3, 2022
In addition to this, the President also presented the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon to the Speaker. The Speaker also met with other officials from the government of Taiwan too during her visit to Taipei. She also visited the National Human Rights Museum.
Together with former political prisoners our delegation visited the Nat’l Human Rights Museum: a tribute to heroes who suffered & fought for Taiwan’s Democracy. Then we heard from civil society leaders on human rights. We came to listen & learn; we left inspired by their courage. pic.twitter.com/dsKa02n0Ka
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 3, 2022
Chinese Response
China had severely implied that if the US Speaker visited Taiwan they would take to strong countermeasures. The Chinese Americans had started protesting against it since the day Nancy Pelosi’s Indo-Pacific trip started.
Read also: China’s Statement on Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan
China knew that their warnings were not considered when four US warships were deployed on the east side of Taiwan. Finally, the speculations turned true when US Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s plane landed in Taiwan.
China responded with war alarms being activated around many parts of China and some jetplanes of China entered Taiwan’s airspace.
However, these warnings took a significant turn when it was reported that Chinese military drills were now taking place 12 nautical miles from the Taiwanese mainland. It is now reported that US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has now departed from Taiwan.
