Published on : 03/08/2022 – 04:12Modified : 03/08/2022 – 04:30
The visit of the speaker of the American House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, initiated on Tuesday, was denounced by China which promised “targeted military actions”. “We come in peace to the region,” assured the Democrat on Wednesday. Taiwan, for its part, accused the Chinese maneuvers of violating its waters and threatening the international order.
“We come as friends to Taiwanwe come to the region in peace.” Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosiwho arrived Tuesday evening in Taiwan, met, Wednesday, August 3, the Vice-President of the Taiwanese Parliament, Tsai Chi-chang.
“Today, our delegation (…) came to Taiwan to say unequivocally that we will not abandon our commitment to Taiwan and that we are proud of our enduring friendship,” said the leader of the American deputies.
His visit to the island angered Beijing. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has thus denounced “a serious violation” of American commitments vis-à-vis China, which “seriously undermines regional peace and stability”. And the Chinese government summoned the American ambassador to Beijing, Nicholas Burns, on Tuesday evening and promised “targeted military actions”, some of which will take place inside the Japanese exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
However, Taiwan refuses to give in to Beijing’s intimidation. “In the face of deliberately increased military threats, Taiwan will not back down. We will (…) continue to defend democracy,” said President Tsai Ing-wen, accusing the Chinese maneuvers of violating its waters and threatening the international order.
China’s planned military exercises around Taiwan threaten key ports and urban areas on the island, Taipei’s defense ministry said, pledging “reinforced” defenses and a firm response.
Japan does not take these threats lightly. The country “expressed its concern to China, given the nature of military activities”, which include “the firing of live ammunition”, said Japanese government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno. “Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is important not only for our country’s security, but also for the stability of the international community.”
Pyongyang denounces interference
Nancy Pelosi’s visit also drew the ire of the North Korea. “The brazen interference of the United States in the internal affairs of other countries and its deliberate political and military provocations are undoubtedly the root cause of the deterioration of peace and security in the region,” said a spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted by the official KCNA agency.
“Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, and the Taiwan issue concerns China’s internal affairs,” said the spokesman, who assured Beijing of Pyongyang’s “full support”.
“We vehemently denounce any interference by any outside force in the Taiwan issue, and fully support the just position of the Chinese government which resolutely upholds the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.
This is the first official visit to Taiwan by a Speaker of the United States House of Representatives in 25 years.
With AFP
