After weeks of rumors, controversies, and threats from China, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to land in Taiwan Tuesday evening, according to unnamed sources. What will come of her short, 12 hour trip?
After weeks of controversy, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to arrive in Taiwan Tuesday evening. Due to security considerations and the international situation, Taiwan has been trying to keep Pelosi’s visit low key.
On Tuesday, foreign ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou said the ministry had no new information on Pelosi’s visit and has not officially confirmed it.
Reports indicate Pelosi will arrive in Taiwan Tuesday evening. The next morning she will meet in person with President Tsai Ing-wen. She will then visit Taiwan’s legislature, before leaving the country before midday.
China has threatened the United States and Taiwan over Pelosi’s visit. In the weeks preceding the trip, experts have suggested ways Pelosi could show her support for Taiwan while easing China’s ire. But regardless, Pelosi’s position as House speaker gives her visit an official quality.
Legislator Lee De-wei says because of her position, Pelosi couldn’t visit Taiwan in a personal capacity. He says President Tsai should respect the United States and Taiwan by meeting with Pelosi as the country’s president.
Former diplomat Vincent Chao says any official meeting with an important foreign leader like Pelosi will have a certain procedure.
Pelosi’s visit will be the most high-profile official meeting between US and Taiwanese leaders since 1997. That year US House Speaker Newt Gingrich met with President Lee Teng-hui. Now many are wondering what Pelosi and President Tsai might discuss.
Chao says both sides will likely discuss democracy, a free trade agreement, and security issues.
Regardless of its result, Pelosi’s trip shows Taiwan’s importance on the world stage.