House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has landed on the island of Taiwan after weeks
of international speculation and threats of retaliation from the Chinese Communist
Party.
Pelosi, who is conducting an extensive tour of multiple allied nations in Asia, has
finally touched down in Taiwan despite repeated threats to the speaker’s safety.
Her plane touched down in Taiwan at approximately 10:45am EST.
Pelosi’s stop in Taipei is the first time that a US House speaker has visited Taiwan in
25 years. Her trip comes at a low point in US-China relations and despite warnings
from the Biden administration against a stop in Taiwan.
Pelosi and the congressional delegation that accompanied her said in a statement on
Tuesday that the visit “honors America’s unwavering commitment to supporting
Taiwan’s vibrant democracy.”
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“Our discussions with 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,” the statement 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.”
Pelosi is traveling with House Foreign Affairs Chairman Gregory Meeks of New York,
Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano of California and Reps. Suzan DelBene of
Washington state, Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and Andy Kim of New Jersey.
The House speaker is expected to visit Taiwan’s presidential office and parliament on
Wednesday morning (local time), a senior Taiwanese official told CNN. She will first
visit the parliament before heading to the presidential office for a meeting with
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, the official said.
Pelosi is expected to depart Taiwan later on Wednesday, according to a news release
issued by the foreign ministry. The official was not authorized to speak about Pelosi’s
travel plans which have not been publicized.
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