August 2, 2022
Our Congressional delegation’s visit to Taiwan honors America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant Democracy.
United States Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) in a statement on her arrival in Taiwan on Tuesday. Pelosi is now the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the island in 25 years.
Why It Matters: On Tuesday, U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) landed in Taiwan along with several other Democratic lawmakers from the U.S., despite warnings from China that this would be considered a provocative action. The news comes amid Pelosi's visit to Asia, which is "focused on mutual security, economic partnership and democratic governance."
- Taiwan considers itself independent, but China considers it part of mainland China. Pelosi's visit is seen as a nod to Taiwan's independence (and against China).
- In response to Pelosi's visit, China announced several military drills and operations surrounding the island of Taiwan.
- What's Next? On Wednesday, Pelosi is scheduled to meet with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen; she will later travel to South Korea and Japan. Questions remain about how China will react in the coming days and weeks.
Did you know? Pelosi has held a strong stance against China's human rights abuses throughout her career.
Context: As a new lawmaker in 1991, Pelosi joined a group of veteran lawmakers traveling to China to mark the anniversary of the "Tiananmen Square Massacre" (when the communist government killed student protestors advocating for democracy). She was briefly detained for unfurling a banner which read "To those who died for democracy in China" — a criticism of the communist Chinese government.
Learn More Here: Delegation Heads to Asia (SmartHERNews)
WATCH: Nancy Pelosi and two other lawmakers unfurling the banner in Tiananmen Square in 1991
Opinion | Nancy Pelosi: Why I'm leading a congressional delegation to Taiwan (The Washington Post)
Pelosi, Congressional Delegation Statement on Visit to Taiwan
US House Speaker Pelosi arrives in Taiwan, defying Beijing (Associated Press)
by Jenna Lee,
