[The Editors' Verdict] Who Can Cast a Stone at Pelosi?

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Jong-min] The United States and China are currently the unwavering G2 (the two major powers) leading global affairs and the economy. Although Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine has expanded his international influence, the competition between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping remains the core of the current world order.

There is a woman who suddenly appeared between the two leaders. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a strong woman. The first female Speaker of the U.S. House. What kind of position is the Speaker of the House? Although not part of the executive branch, the Speaker is next in line after the President and Vice President. The President cannot treat her lightly. Speaker Pelosi is 82 years old, older than President Biden. She has been elected 18 consecutive times in California, making her a 36-year veteran lawmaker who has experienced all kinds of trials and tribulations.

Pelosi's visit to Taiwan instantly became the focal point of U.S.-China tensions. She surely was aware of the spotlight and concerns that would come her way.

Pelosi is a determined strong woman. Based on her beliefs centered on democracy and human rights, she has pushed through what she believes is right. While some view her Taiwan visit as a political move ahead of the midterm elections, it could also be an act of putting her usual convictions into practice.

Looking at past examples, she has taken a firm stance even against allies when principles were at stake. Shortly after becoming Speaker in 2007, despite strong opposition and lobbying from Japan, a key U.S. ally, Pelosi played a pivotal role in passing the House resolution on comfort women unanimously. She attaches great significance to this issue, mentioning it first whenever she meets with Korean politicians. Kim Dong-seok, head of the Korean American Voters Association, recalled that right after the resolution's passage, Pelosi invited those involved and grandmother Lee Yong-soo to her office to celebrate. This exemplifies her as a strong woman who prioritizes justice without hesitation.

Her act of tearing up the speech during former President Donald Trump's congressional address was also a way to express dissatisfaction through action. Considering these circumstances, Pelosi would not show any consideration toward President Xi, who is strengthening authoritarianism, threatening Taiwan, and seeking a third term.

The upcoming U.S. midterm elections in November are likely to result in a Republican victory. After Xi confirmed his third term in October, it is clear that the Biden administration and the Democratic Party will lose the congressional power they barely maintained over the past two years. While Xi's power will be strengthened, Biden is expected to become weaker. Pelosi's era is also likely to end. It is too early to judge how Pelosi's Taiwan visit will affect future international affairs or how history will evaluate it. What is clear is that she did not ignore injustice while weighing the consequences.

Looking at our political scene, during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech to our National Assembly, our lawmakers showed a pathetic attitude. The venue was not even fully occupied, and a senior lawmaker even dozed off. Meanwhile, Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, who visited Ukraine, has fallen into internal political strife and is wandering the country. Pelosi, who took the right path, also relinquished her Speaker position after the 2010 midterm election defeat but returned as Speaker in 2019 after nine years of determination. Can Lee also return to his original position?

Baek Jong-min, Opinion Editor

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.