The aftermath of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s departure from Taiwan is still unfolding. The high official pledged US solidarity with Taiwan, a state China claims belongs to its nation, and is positive for reunification.
Tsai Ing-wen, the president of the separatist state, granted Pelosi a medal of honor before her departure. She visited the parliament and met with business leaders such as the founder of Chip Foundry TSMC, the world’s leading semiconductor chip manufacturing company, to promote the US Chips Act that got approved by the senate on August 3rd. Pelosi also met with human rights activists.
Since her departure, the Chinese military has been holding extreme exercises all around Taiwan, and Taiwanese officials are concerned that this would lead to an escalation of a dormant conflict. Taiwanese officials reported 27 Chinese war planes breached its air defense identification area and buffer zone that separates the two country’s airspaces. China’s military drills violate Taiwan’s territorial waters.
Chinese government officials referred to Pelosi’s visit as “a provocation and violation of China’s sovereignty.” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated in a press conference that “there is no reason for Beijing to turn this visit into some sort of crisis… we are prepared to manage what Beijing will do.”
The Chinese state media has published videos and pictures of firepower and personnel, with one of them saying “we are ready for combat, and I will fight at any time.”
Taiwan has put its missile system and aircrafts on high alert. The country has also posted videos showcasing their military might captioned, “fear no threat nor challenges. We are not eager for a fight, nor will we shy away from one. We have the capacity and the will to uphold our valued liberty and democracy.” The country is apprehensive that aggression from China could destabilize the region, and is demanding that the threats come to a halt.
Beijing firmly believes the US is using provocation tactics to heighten tensions between the separatist state and China, thus undermining the sovereignty of the region. The drills could just be a showcase of aggression and capabilities of the Chinese military.
Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is the first since 25 years ago. The last time a high official from the US frequented the country was in 1997. The US ended formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 and established formalities with the People’s Republic of China.
During her recent visit, House Speaker Pelosi expressed the US government’s support for democracy and made no efforts to hide the quest for a liberated Taiwan.
Though China’s military drills are scheduled to end on Sunday, Taiwanese officials are concerned that global supply chains could also be interrupted as the military drills are expected to take place near ports, so air and sea blockades could be in the near future.