The United States wants Taiwan to always have freedom with security and will not back away from that, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday (August 3), during a visit to Taipei fiercely criticised by China, Reuters reports.
"It's really clear that while China has stood in the way of Taiwan, participating and going to certain meetings that they understand that they will not stand in the way of people coming to Taiwan. It's a show of friendship, of support, but also a source of learning about how we can work together better in collaboration,” Pelosi said.
While respecting the "One China" policy, our solidarity with Taiwan is more important than ever, Pelosi said, during a joint news conference with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. The U.S. supports the status quo and does not want anything to happen to Taiwan by force, Pelosi added.
“Let's just put it in the perspective of, over four decades ago, the ‘Taiwan Relations Act’ was built on building a strong bond between our two countries, advancing our shared interests of government, economy, and security while respecting the ‘One China Policy’. Our solidarity with you is more important than ever, as you defend Taiwan and your freedom and our bilateral meeting we discussed key opportunities to deepen our partnership upholding democracy and human rights and respect for the individual combatting. Well, I'll get around to comment,” Pelosi added.
Asked about the economic consequences Taiwan has to face as a result of her visit, Pelosi said the U.S.' chips act opens the door for better economic exchanges between the United States and Taiwan.
Taiwan is committed to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan strait, Tsai said, adding that China's military exercises, launched in response to Pelosi's visit are an unnecessary reaction.
Pelosi arrived in Taipei late on Tuesday (August 2) on an unannounced but closely watched trip, which has drawn condemnation and vows of retaliation from Beijing.
In disregard of China's solemn representations, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi brazenly went ahead with her visit to China's Taiwan region, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.
“This move seriously violates the one-China principle, maliciously infringes on China's sovereignty and blatantly engages in political provocations, which has aroused strong indignation among the Chinese people and widespread opposition from the international community.
It proves once again that some U.S. politicians have become "troublemakers" of China-U.S. relations, and that the United States has become the "biggest destroyer" of peace across the Taiwan Strait and for regional stability.
The United States should not dream of obstructing China's reunification. Taiwan is a part of China. The complete reunification of China is the trend of the times and an inevitability of history. We will leave no room for the "Taiwan independence" forces and external interference.
No matter how the United States supports or connives at the "Taiwan independence" forces, it will be all in vain. The United States will only leave more ugly records of gross meddling in other countries' internal affairs in history. The Taiwan question arose when the country was weak and chaotic at the time, and will surely end with national rejuvenation.
The United States should not fantasize about undermining China's development and revitalization. China has found a correct development path in line with its own national conditions. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, 1.4 billion Chinese people are striding towards the Chinese-style modernization.
We put the development of our country and nation on the basis of our own strength, and are willing to coexist peacefully and develop together with other countries. But we will never allow any country to undermine China's stability and development,” Wang Yi stated.