President Tsai Ing-wen says Taiwan won’t back down in the face of ‘heightened military threats’
TAIPEI, Taiwan—House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) reiterated the U.S. commitment to Taiwan on Aug. 3 while holding a joint press conference with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei.
“Today the world faces a choice between democracy and autocracy, America’s determination to preserve democracy here in Taiwan and around the world remains ironclad,” said Pelosi, who arrived in Taiwan a day earlier amid threats and military activities by the Chinese communist regime.
She said the bedrock of the bilateral relationship remains with the Taiwan Relations Act, a law that authorizes the United States to provide the island with military equipment for self-defense. The law was signed after Washington ended its diplomatic ties with Taipei in favor of Beijing in 1979.
“Today, our delegation, of which I’m very proud, came to Taiwan to make unequivocally clear—we will not abandon our commitment to Taiwan, and we are proud of our enduring friendship,” Pelosi said. “Now more than ever, America’s solidarity with Taiwan is crucial.”
Beijing Upset
China is irate at Pelosi for stopping at Taiwan during her Asia trip, which has so far included Singapore and Malaysia. The Chinese regime claims Taiwan as a part of its territory and opposes governments and international organizations interacting or forming ties with Taiwanese officials, as such actions suggest that the island is a de facto nation-state.
The regime in Beijing is so displeased with Pelosi’s Taiwan visit that China’s vice foreign minister, Xie Feng, summoned U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns late on Aug. 2. According to China’s state-run media outlets, Xie said the United States will “pay the price” for its “mistakes” of allowing her to visit the island.
Qin Gang, China’s ambassador to the United States, accused the United States of “playing with fire” in a statement. He said he has lodged a “strong protest” with the White House National Security Council and the U.S. State Department.
By Frank Fang
