Amid China’s Backlash, US Pelosi Visits Taiwan: "Defending Democracy... Xi Jinping Ignores Human Rights and Rule of Law"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "The visit of the U.S. congressional delegation to Taiwan is in line with America's firm commitment to support Taiwan's vibrant democracy."

Despite strong opposition from China, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, who pushed ahead with the visit to Taiwan, delivered a message on the 2nd (local time) that the U.S. must stand with Taiwan, which is under threat to its democracy.

Immediately after arriving at Songshan Airport in Taipei, Taiwan that night, Speaker Pelosi stated in a press release, "At a time when the world faces a choice between dictatorship and democracy, America's solidarity with the 23 million people of Taiwan is more important today than ever." This was interpreted as emphasizing that her visit to Taiwan was to uphold American democracy.

In an op-ed published simultaneously upon her arrival in Taiwan in The Washington Post (WP), Pelosi emphasized, "The visit of the U.S. congressional delegation, facing accelerating attacks by the Chinese Communist Party, should be seen as the United States standing with its democratic partner Taiwan."

In the op-ed titled "Why I Lead the Congressional Delegation to Taiwan," she said, "This visit is part of a Pacific region tour focusing on mutual security, economic partnerships, and democratic governance with Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and others," adding, "Discussions with our Taiwan partners will reaffirm our support for Taiwan and focus on advancing our shared interests, including the development of a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

Speaker Pelosi criticized China's attempt to determine Taiwan's future by means other than peaceful methods as a threat to peace and security in the Western Pacific region. She also stated, "the U.S. Department of Defense has concluded that the Chinese military is highly likely preparing for an emergency to forcibly unify Taiwan," diagnosing that Taiwan's democracy is currently under threat. Pelosi pointed out that China is conducting daily cyberattacks against Taiwan government agencies and threatening global companies and countries cooperating with Taiwan.

Furthermore, Pelosi emphasized that this visit does not contradict the "One China" policy, which has been sustained by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three joint communiques between the U.S. and China concerning mutual non-interference and reduction of arms sales to Taiwan, and the Six Assurances recognizing Taiwan's practical sovereignty.

She said, "The United States continues to oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo," while pointing out that "Chinese President Xi Jinping's consolidation of power is accompanied by a harsh human rights record and disregard for the rule of law." Regarding the Hong Kong situation, she also criticized, "China has thrown the 'One Country, Two Systems' promise into the trash."

The C-40C transport plane carrying Pelosi and the U.S. House delegation arrived at Taipei Songshan Airport at around 10:44 p.m. that night. Pelosi is scheduled to meet and have lunch with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on the 3rd. Afterwards, she will visit the Legislative Yuan (parliament) and the Human Rights Museum, meet with Chinese dissidents, and is expected to depart around 4 to 5 p.m. The last time a U.S. House Speaker visited Taiwan was 25 years ago in 1997 by Newt Gingrich.

Pelosi, a 35-year veteran congresswoman, is considered one of the most consistent China hawks in U.S. politics. She is well known for an incident in 1991 when, as a congresswoman, she visited Beijing and held up a banner at Tiananmen Square that read "For those who gave their lives for China's democracy" and read a memorial statement. In 1997, when Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited Washington and attended a dinner hosted by Democratic colleagues, she protested in front of the venue.

Pelosi has publicly opposed China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its Olympic bids, and has consistently criticized China's human rights issues, including those involving the Uyghurs. She has also interacted with the spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, and met with Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong to express support. From the Chinese government's perspective, she is inevitably regarded as a "persona non grata" (diplomatically unwelcome person).

The Taiwan Presidential Office welcomed the visit, stating, "We hope that Speaker Pelosi's visit will deepen the Taiwan-U.S. partnership and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said, "Pelosi's visit demonstrates America's rock-solid support for Taiwan and will strengthen Taiwan-U.S. relations."

On the other hand, China immediately showed a highly agitated response. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement through China Central Television (CCTV) right after Pelosi's arrival in Taiwan, saying, "All consequences arising from this must be borne by the United States and Taiwan independence separatist forces," and claimed, "The United States has attempted to suppress China through Taiwan, continuously distorted the 'One China' principle, and strengthened official exchanges with Taiwan to support Taiwan independence and separatist activities. This is a very dangerous game with fire, and those who play with fire will surely be burned."

China also declared all-out military demonstrations. The spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, which oversees Taiwan, announced that from the night of the 2nd, joint naval and air exercises will be conducted in the northern, southwestern, and southeastern waters and airspace of Taiwan, along with long-range live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, they will organize commercial firepower in the eastern waters of Taiwan for test firing. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense stated through a spokesperson, "The Chinese People's Liberation Army will resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity through a series of targeted military actions."

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