America's solidarity with Taiwanese more important today than ever: Pelosi
This visit is the first official visit to Taiwan by a Speaker of the United States House of Representatives in 25 years
US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said America's solidarity with the 23 million people of Taiwan is more important today than ever, as the world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy.
She tweeted the comment from a statement issued by the congressional delegation under her leadership after landing in Taipei today (2 August).
"Our Congressional delegation's visit to Taiwan honors America's unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan's vibrant Democracy," read the statement.
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"Our visit is part of our broader trip to the Indo-Pacific — including Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan — focused on mutual security, economic partnership and democratic governance. Our discussions with the Taiwan leadership will focus on reaffirming our support for our partner and on promoting our shared interests, including advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
"Our visit is one of several Congressional delegations to Taiwan – and it in no way contradicts the longstanding United States policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, US-China Joint Communiques and the Six Assurances. The United States continues to oppose unilateral efforts to change the status quo."
However, Pelosi, a long-time China critic, will meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen later on Wednesday and a group of activists who are outspoken about China's human rights record, reuters reported.
Beijing considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and has never renounced using force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan rejects China's sovereignty claims and says only its people can decide the island's future.
