China says Washington will “pay the price” for the official’s visit to the self-governed island, in defiance of Beijing’s warnings
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has concluded her controversial visit to Taiwan, with a plane carrying America’s third highest-ranking official taking off from Songshan Airport in Taipei on Wednesday.
Pelosi reached the self-governing island Tuesday, in spite of Beijing’s strong warnings. Beijing regards Taiwan as a part its territory under the One China Policy.
The House speaker, who was only in Taipei for a short time, promised the US “will not abandon our commitment to Taiwan,”It could be described as “one of the freest societies in the world.”
The 82-year-old addressed the local parliament, held a meeting with the island’s leader Tsai Ing-wen, and was awarded with the one of Taiwan’s highest civilian awards – the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon – for her firm stance in “safeguarding freedom, democracy and human rights.”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has condemned Pelosi’s trip, saying it “seriously infringes upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and will have a “severe impact on the political foundation of China-US relations.”
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Also, the ministry summoned Nicholas Burns from the US Embassy to file an official protest. Washington would not be pleased. “pay the price”For the move.
China’s Defense Ministry announced that a number of live-fire and military drills will be conducted in six areas maritime and within Chinese-controlled airspace.
Pelosi is now the highest ranking American official to visit the territory, since 1997’s trip of Newt Gingrich (then-US House Speaker)
The US has recognized Beijing since 1979 as China’s only legitimate authority, but it still maintains strong, informal ties to Taiwan. They sell weapons and support Taiwan’s push for sovereignity.
Officially, the Republic of China (ROC) is an island of 23.5 millions. It has been autonomous since 1949 but was never declared independent by Beijing.