[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] On the 2nd (local time), the White House stated that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan did not violate China's sovereignty and that it would not be intimidated by any threats.
According to major foreign media, John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications, told reporters that day, "This visit did not violate China's sovereignty," and Pelosi's visit is "100% consistent with the U.S. 'One China' policy."
Regarding the strong opposition from Chinese authorities, Coordinator Kirby also mentioned, "The U.S. will not be intimidated by threats through aggressive rhetoric." He added, "There is no reason for this visit to be a provocative event that causes a crisis or armed conflict."
In an interview with CNN, Coordinator Kirby also said, "Speaker Pelosi recently had the same opportunity as other members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, to visit Taiwan," adding, "This is an important matter." Regarding reports that Chinese fighter jets crossed the 'median line of the Taiwan Strait,' which has been regarded as the de facto boundary between China and Taiwan, he said, "We cannot confirm it," but added, "Even if they did, it would not be surprising. This is included in our expected scenarios."
The C-40C transport plane carrying the U.S. House delegation, including Speaker Pelosi, arrived at Taipei Songshan Airport in Taiwan at 10:44 p.m. local time on the 2nd. On the 3rd, Pelosi will meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen for a meeting and luncheon. Afterwards, she is scheduled to visit the Legislative Yuan (parliament) and the Human Rights Museum, meet with Chinese dissidents, and is expected to depart around 4 to 5 p.m. It is the first time in 25 years since Newt Gingrich in 1997 that a U.S. House Speaker has visited Taiwan.
Immediately after arrival, Speaker Pelosi issued a statement emphasizing, "The visit of the U.S. congressional delegation to Taiwan is in line with America's firm commitment to support Taiwan's vibrant democracy," and stressed, "At a time when the world faces a choice between dictatorship and democracy, America's solidarity with the 23 million people of Taiwan is more important today than ever." This is interpreted as emphasizing that her visit to Taiwan is in defense of democracy.
China responded with immediate and intense reactions. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement broadcast on China Central Television (CCTV) right after Pelosi's arrival in Taiwan, stating, "All consequences arising from this must be borne by the United States and Taiwan independence separatist forces," and claimed, "The United States has attempted to suppress China through Taiwan, continuously distorted the 'One China' principle, strengthened official exchanges with Taiwan, and supported Taiwan independence and separatist activities. This is a very dangerous game of fire, and those who play with fire will surely be burned."
In particular, China also declared comprehensive military demonstrations. On the night of the 2nd, Lieutenant Colonel Sui, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army responsible for Taiwan, announced that joint naval and air exercises would be conducted in the northern, southwestern, and southeastern waters and airspace of Taiwan, along with long-range live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, organized live-fire tests will be conducted in the eastern waters of Taiwan. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense stated through a spokesperson, "The Chinese People's Liberation Army will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity by counterattacking with a series of targeted military actions."
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