Amid rising tension between Taiwan and China, Nancy Pelosi, The 52nd US Speaker of the United States, arrived in Taipei, Taiwan on August 2nd, 2022. Her arrival was met with criticism and aggression from the Chinese government. This was followed by a Chinese military exercise in six zones along Taiwan’s military borders, the biggest ever military exercise in the region.
The Chinese foreign minister has considered her visit as “a serious interference with China’s internal affairs and seriously undermining China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He has even said that Beijing would impose sanctions on Pelosi and her close family members.
China and Taiwan tension has risen from their attempt to “unify” Taiwan to their country. They view them as “a breakaway province” which should be part of their country.
China has also condemned Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, claiming it to be “extremely dangerous” and risking its relationship with the US. In response, one of the Chinese electric-vehicle batteries suppliers, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd (CATL)., has pushed back its announcement of a multibillion-dollar plant in Northern America. The plant aims to supply Ford Motors Co. and Tesla Inc. with their product. CATL has chosen to wait until September and October as they wait for things to unfold.
While in Taiwan, Pelosi met with President Tsai Ing-wen and other top officials. In her meeting with Taiwan’s president Tsai Ing-Wen, Pelosi retaliated, “US unwavering commitment to Taiwan’s democracy.” She even reassured them of a continued trade pact between these two nations. This follows after Biden’s administration’s assurance of a “one-China policy,” which this visit has long discouraged.
The Taiwanese president commended House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her support of democratic values and vowed to work with the United States on security in the Taiwan Straits and the larger Indo-Pacific region. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s travel to Taiwan is the highest level of U.S. official to visit Taiwan in 25 years, bringing criticism from China. Beijing believes the disputed island to be part of its territory and has warned Pelosi not to visit it for weeks. Pelosi, for her part, said she was committed to promoting world peace and closer economic ties with Taiwan.