Nancy Pelosi Taiwan Visit: China fumes at Pelosi's Taiwan visit, slams US 'hypocrisy'

In a series of tweets, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying called out the 'hypocrisy' of the US, and stated:

Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "warmly welcomes US Congressional delegation led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi... it marks 1st visit by a US House Speaker in 25yrs... underscores high-level support for Taiwan-US relations from US Congress & wide scope of bilateral cooperation."

"US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan is completely justified from the US's point of view. China ratcheting up this as a major issue doesn't bode well for future relations between the US & China," said Penpa Tsering, Sikyong of Central Tibetan Administration on Nacy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. 

Representative of Office of Tibet in Taiwan on Wednesday met US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and briefed her about Tibet.

Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday that US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was awarded a state honour for supporting the country. 

Before departing, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the National Human Rights Museum in Taiwan earlier in the day and tweeted:

As per reports, six F-15 fighters and three tanker aircraft have taken off from the US base in Okinawa, Japan, in a southerly direction soon after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi departed from Taiwan. 

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is against foreign interference in the internal affairs of member states, said the director general on US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Taiwan.

Accompanied by her large delegation, US Speaker Nancy Pelosi departed for the US from Taipei. Here are the latest visuals from the airport.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reiterated its resolve to uphold the sovereignty, liberty and democracy of the country. It stressed, "We are not eager for a fight, nor will we shy away from one". It also rubbished rumours of a missile attack by the People's Liberation Army on the Taoyuan International Airport.

After a fruitful one-day visit of Taiwan, US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi departed from Taiwan. 

Sharing pictures of her interaction with Legislative Yuan vice president Tsai Chi-chang, Nancy Pelosi said, "Our Congressional delegation had the great privilege of meeting with the Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Tsai Chi-chang here in Taipei. We reiterated our ironclad support for Taiwan’s democracy, including on matters of security & stability, economic growth and governance". She also spoke virtually with Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun and wished him a speedy recovery.

As US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan much to the dismay of China, Iran on Tuesday condemned Washington's meddling in Beijing's "internal" affairs. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani said the recent “tension-creating behavior” of the US officials in interfering in China’s internal affairs and violating its territorial integrity was an example of Washington's interventionist policies in different parts of the world. "This behaviour will have no outcome except the increasing of instability and the stirring of hostilities, and it is therefore condemned,” he said, as per Press TV.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan has drawn sharp criticism from North Korea, which described it as an "impudent intervention" by Washington into another country's internal affairs. "The current situation clearly shows that the impudent interference of the US in internal affairs of other countries and its intentional political and military provocations are, indeed, the root cause of harassed peace and security in the region," a spokesperson for the ministry told the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). 

"The nature of her (US Speaker Nancy Pelosi) visit to the Taiwan region is not about democracy. This is an issue about China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. 

In the wake of Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Congress Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari urged the Centre to take a leaf out of the US' playbook. Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, he described the visit of the US House of Representatives Speaker to Taipei as historic. As Pelosi is the highest-ranking elected US official to visit Taipei since 1997, China registered a vociferous protest. Amid the tensions with China at the Line of Actual Control, Tewari mooted the idea of an Indian parliamentary delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla going to Taiwan. 

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the White Terror Memorial Park in Taiwan.

Supporting China over its objection to Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated, "I am not in any position to talk about what their motivation was, but it does reflect the line which I have mentioned with regard to Ukraine. I have no doubt that yet again it is the desire to prove that they are immune, have free reign and can do whatever they want. I don't see any reason behind creating this flashpoint out of nowhere."

US Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to visit the Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park. 

China warns airlines to avoid areas near Taiwan as tensions rise. China warned airlines operating in Asia to avoid flying in areas around Taiwan where it is conducting military exercises in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island. An official notice was sent at late on Tuesday Hong Kong time, designating six areas of airspace as “danger zones,” according to carriers who received the message and Jang Chang Seog, a Korean transport ministry official. Flights will be restricted from 12 pm on August 4 to 12 pm on August 7.

The PLA Eastern Theater Command organized joint drills featuring Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, Strategic Support Force & Joint Logistic Support Force in the sea and air space N, SW & SE of Taiwan island.

Amid the tensions with the US over Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, ex-Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said that China will not be the first to use nuclear weapons. Jiechi said that China has developed its own nuclear weapons in self-defense and strictly adheres to its obligations.

Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday as traders watched for signs trade might be disrupted by US-Chinese tensions over US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

During the press conference, US Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated, "There's a struggle between democracy and autocracy in the world. As China uses its soft power in order to gain support, we've to talk about Taiwan in terms of its technological advancement and show people Taiwan's courage to become more democratic". She added, "The demonstration of democracy offers a strong contrast to what's happening in mainland China. No more evidence is needed on what happened in Hong Kong, one country two systems didn't happen. We don't want anything to happen to Taiwan by force:". 

Chinese Ambassador to the ASEAN Deng Xijun revealed that live fire exercises will be conducted in 6 areas surrounding the Taiwan island in the next few days. He stated that entry will be prohibited.

Commenting on China's critical reaction to her visit, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lamented that China has stood in the way of Taiwan. She averred that China was making a fuss probably because she is the US Speaker.

"China suspends imports of citrus fruits, chilled white hairtail & frozen horse mackerel from Taiwan region from Wednesday, says country's General Administration of Customs," libijian, Consul General of China to Karachi stated.

Speaking at the press conference, US Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated that there was great enthusiasm for the US-Taiwan relationship. Maintaining that solidarity for Taiwan is important, she explained that economy, security and governance are three important aspects. She mentioned that they discussed how to strengthen the bilateral ties and hinted at the possibility of a trade agreement between the two countries.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen addressed a joint press conference after their meeting. Tsai Ing-wen expressed her commitment to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and stressed that her country has been open to a constructive dialogue.

After her meeting with the Taiwan President, US Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to interact with the media and human rights activists at the Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense highlighted that the PLA's move to conduct live-fire exercises in the sea and airspace around the country from August 4 to 7 highlights China's mentality to use force to resolve differences. It assured that the national army will definitely stick to its posts and protect national security. It advised Taiwanese citizens, "Please feel at ease and support the national army with one heart". Slamming the attempt to undermine regional peace, Taiwan contended that this would hurt China's international image. 

    The Ministry of National Defense stated that the CCP’s announcement of using the sea and airspace around Taiwan’s main island as a live-fire area is an attempt to threaten our important ports and urban areas, and unilaterally undermine regional peace and stability. This move will not help China’s international image and hurt people on both sides of the strait. 

US Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, "Taiwan is a flourishing democracy. It has proven to the world that hope, courage and determination can build a peaceful and prosperous future despite the challenges it faces. Now, more than ever, America's solidarity with Taiwan is crucial, that's the message we bring in today."

"We will firmly uphold our nation's sovereignty and continue to hold the line of defence. At the same time, we wish to cooperate and work with unity with all democracies around the world to safeguard democratic values. Taiwan is committed to maintaining peace & stability in the Taiwan Strait, and we will make Taiwan a key stabilising force for regional security ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific," the Taiwan President said. 

Speaking at Taiwan's Presidential Palace, Nancy Pelosi stated, "We have a thriving partnership grounded in self-government and self-determination focused on mutual security in the region and world committed to economic prosperity". Congratulating Taiwan on its successful COVID-19 management, she stressed that the world faces a choice between democracy and autocracy. 

Extending a warm welcome to Nancy Pelosi and her delegation, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen described the former as one of her country's most devoted friends. Hailing the US' support for Taiwan, she recalled that Pelosi had paid special attention to the democratic process in Taiwan and stood firm on protecting human rights. In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, she asserted that aggression towards Taiwan will have consequences for the entire Indo-Pacific region. Tsai Ing-Wen stressed that her country won't back down despite facing military threats. 

Observing that it was an honour to receive the Order of Propitious Clouds, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated that both Democrats and Republicans are united in their support for Taiwan. She reiterated that the US firmly stands with Taiwan for democracy and won't abandon its commitment to the island nation. Pelosi also stated that the story of Taiwan is an inspiration for freedom in the world.

Nancy Pelosi was conferred upon the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon by Taiwan. The Taiwan President felicitated her.

US Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen at the Presidential Palace.

Ahead of her meeting with the Taiwanese President, Nancy Pelosi stated, "It is my great and humble privilege to accept on behalf of the Congress the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon: a symbol of America’s strong and enduring friendship with Taiwan."

On the afternoon of August 2, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Qin Gang made solemn representations and expressed strong protest to the National Security Council and the State Department of the U.S. over the visit of the U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. Ambassador Qin Gang pointed out that the one-China principle is the political foundation of Sino-US relations and the most fundamental adherence to handling the Taiwan issue.

US Speaker Nancy Pelosi reached the Presidential Palace in Taiwan. She will interact with President Tsai Ing-wen.

Displeased by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, the Chinese mainland has decided to halt natural sand exports to the island from Wednesday. A day earlier, China also stopped the import of products from multiple Taiwanese food companies producing pastries, baked goods, sweets, tea leaves, dried fruits, honey and vegetables. 

"We congratulate you on successfully addressing the issue of COVID which is also an issue of health, economy, security & governance," Nancy Pelosi said in Taiwan's Parliament.

Speaking at Taiwan's Parliament, Nancy Pelosi said, "Purposes of this visit are the security of our people (global security), economics and governance. We want to increase inter-Parliamentary dialogue. We want to listen & learn from you on how to go ahead together."

The Chinese military is now conducting a massive shelling in the direction of the Taiwan Strait from the territory of Fujian province, where the PLA exercises are being held in response to Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the Parliament in Taiwan. Tsai Chi-Chang, the Vice President of the Legislative Yuan described the US as a "true friend" and welcomed her on this occasion. 

The United States expects China to continue to react to the visit by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan over a longer period of time beyond the trip itself, National Security Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said on Tuesday. "China has positioned itself to take further steps and we expect that they will continue to react over a longer-term horizon," Kirby told a briefing. "I couldn't give you a date of certain of what that horizon looks like but we certainly would expect them to react even beyond her trip". 

Kirby further underscored that the US “does not seek and does not want a crisis,” while noting that US President Joe Biden “respects” Pelosi’s decision to visit Taiwan.

China has called on the US to stop "playing the Taiwan card" and making use of Taiwan to contain China. Beijing urged Washington to stop intervening in Taiwan and China's internal matters and stop supporting "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, according to the statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. China called on the US to stop "distorting" the one-China principle. 

"China strongly urges the United States to stop playing the "Taiwan card" and using Taiwan to contain China. It should stop meddling on Taiwan and interfering in China's internal affairs. It should stop supporting and conniving at "Taiwan independence" separatist forces in any form," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has called US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan a "serious violation" of one-China principle. The Foreign Ministry stressed that it has a "severe impact" on the political foundation of ties between China and US. China asserted that the move "seriously infringes" sovereignty and territorial integrity" of China and "gravely" undermines the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. 

"On 2 August, in disregard of China's strong opposition and serious representations, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi visited China's Taiwan region. This is a serious violation of the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

The Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Qin Gang has condemned US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. In a statement released on Twitter, Qin Gang said that Beijing "firmly opposes" and "sternly condemns" Pelosi's visit to Taiwan which China views as part of its territory. Gang stressed that China has made strong protests regarding the issue to the US. 

US Senators Dan Sullivan, Mitch McConnell and 24 of their colleagues have issued a statement in support of House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. In the statement, the leaders underscored that they support Pelosi's trip to Taiwan. The leaders noted that members of the US Congress, including previous Speakers to the House, have travelled to Taiwan. The leaders in the statement stressed that the visit to Taiwan is consistent with the 'one China policy' of the US. 

“We support Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan," the statement from the Republic Senators read.

"This travel is consistent with the United States’ One China policy to which we are committed. We are also committed now, more than ever, to all elements of the Taiwan Relations Act," it further added. 

Russia considers US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan as a "clear provocation", the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The Russian Foreign Ministry underscored that the ties between the sides of the Taiwan Strait is an internal matter of China. It further stated that Beijing has the right to take measures to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity concerning the Taiwan issue. The Russian Foreign Ministry in the statement said, "On August 2, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi arrived in Taiwan. We view her visit as a clear provocation in the spirit of the US aggressive line of comprehensive containment of the PRC."

"We believe that relations between the sides of the Taiwan Strait is a purely internal affair of China. The Chinese side has the right to take measures necessary to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Taiwan issue," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

21 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone, said the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defence. 

A Taiwanese legislator, citing the latest congressional calendar, said a meeting between a congressional delegation led by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Taiwan's Legislative Speaker You Si-kun  was scheduled for Wednesday morning (Aug 3).

After US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's arrival, Taiwan Foreign Ministry extended greetings to her and the congressional delegation. 

China’s PLA has announced that they will conduct 'important' military drills encircling Taiwan. The exercises are reportedly in response to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taipei and will be held from August 4-6.

According to the Global Times, long-range artillery firing in the Taiwan Straits, as well as missile tests, will be set to begin on August 2 in the evening. That’s to “resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Ministry of National Defense said in response to Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei.

️People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Command has now said that China is set to test-launch missiles with a non-nuclear warhead amid US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. 

Infuriated over US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, China warned that it will conduct 'target military operations' 

China is preparing for missile tests and military drills dangerously close to Taiwan. 

The White House said that the United States will not be intimidated by "bellicose rhetoric" as Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan. It added that there is no reason for Pelosi's trip to become a pretext for some sort of action by China.

Chinese Defense Ministry said that its army is on alery and will conduct series of military countermeasures amid Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

After landing at Taiwan Taoyuan international airport, United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the United States cannot standby as China 'proceeds to threaten Taiwan'.

Minutes after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi landed in Taiwan, the White House said that the top American official's visit is not a violation of China's sovereignty.

As US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reached Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Minister said "China will definitely take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its sovereignty & territorial integrity in response to the US Speaker's visit. All the consequences must be borne by US & the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces," as per China state-affiliated media.

After reaching Taiwan's Taipei, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted, "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."

China state-affiliated media reported that China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has no plan to meet with  US State Secretary Antony Blinken, in Cambodia, a signal seen by experts as reflecting the severity of the situation, as well as China's outrage toward the US provocation on the Taiwan question, as per the Global Times. 

US Speaker Nancy Pelosi lands in Taiwan. Here's the first glimpse.  

 US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi landed at Taiwan airport amid escalating tensions with China.

As per Sputnik, a US plane possibly carrying Pelosi has reportedly entered Taiwanese airspace and started descent near Taipei. On the other hand, China People's Liberation Army Su-25 fighters are crossing Taiwan Strait.

Watch LIVE here:

Combat sirens have been activated in China’s Fujian province as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to land in Taiwan anytime soon, as per reports.

Taiwanese jets have reportedly escorted the US government special flight carrying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Meanwhile on the ground at Taiwan’s Songshan Airport, camouflage has reportedly been removed from anti-aircraft guns.

As per China state-affiliated media, the US C-40C aircraft, which is said to be Pelosi's flight to Taiwan with no official confirmation, didn’t head straight to Taiwan from the S.China Sea, but circled around and is approaching Taiwan from the Philippine Sea. Observers said it likely attempts to avoid possible PLA interception, reported the Global Times. 

A️s US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to reach Taiwan anytime now, China is said to have closed the Taiwan strait for civilian aircraft. 

China's People's Liberation Army posted a new video on WeChat ahead of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's expected visit to Taiwan.

US House Speaker ️Nancy Pelosi's flight will touch down in Taiwan at any moment.

As United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to land in Taiwan shortly, the TV tower in Moscow reflected -"China, Russia is with you!"

As per Taiwanese media reports, China is on alert as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi departed Malaysia on Tuesday and may head to Taiwan ignoring its warnings of a resolute response if she visited the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims as its own territory. Travelling by US Air Force jet, Pelosi on a tour of Asia, left Malaysia and was expected to land at the Taiwanese capital Taipei around 2220 hrs local time.

Amid escalating tensions with China, US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's flight is expected to reach Taiwan shortly. She is expected to land at 7:50 PM IST, as per PTI. 

️As per the latest update, eight F15 fighter jets and 5 tanker aircraft have reportedly left the US base in Okinawa, Japan.

Ahead of Nancy Pelosi's expected visit, a building at Taipei airport reflects - 'Thank You. Taiwan Loves US. Speaker Pelosi, welcome to Taiwan'.

Ahead of her expected visit to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted an image of her meeting with the Malaysian Prime Minister and ​​Foreign Minister. 

As per local media, unverified footage uploaded to Chinese social media appears to show ICBMs, multiple-troop carriers and other military hardware in and around Fujian province, some 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Taiwan.

Source: Local media

The Red carpet was rolled out at the Legislative Yuan building in Taipei as Nancy Pelosi is expected to arrive in Taiwan on Tuesday evening.

Source: Sputnik

On the beaches of Fujian, the closest Chinese province to Taiwan,  military equipment and PLA troops are being deployed.

Source: Sputnik

Chinese military aircraft are flying near Taiwan's air defence zone. Local media reports that Taiwanese Mirage fighters are also patrolling the sky over the island. Chinese Army also installed its DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missiles near Taiwan.

In an official press brief, China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "If the US continues to go astray, we will take strong and resolute measures to ensure our sovereignty and security interests." China said it was "closely" monitoring Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport stepped up its security measures on Tuesday, after it received a bomb threat, amid reports of an imminent visit by Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

The Aviation Police Bureau said it has assigned a special team to tighten airport security and ensure flight safety, in the wake of a threat that three explosive devices would be placed in the airport.

Source : CNA (TAIWAN STATE MEDIA)

Taiwan’s Presidential Office just confirmed that at around 17:15 local time, the Presidential Office’s website was hit by an overseas DDoS attack. The attack traffic was 200 times that of a normal day, causing the official website to be down for 20 minutes.