Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reiterated solidarity with Taiwan and its people in a statement issued on Wednesday, marking the anniversary of her visit to the island.
Pelosi said that the U.S. congressional delegation’s arrival in Taiwan a year ago sent a message to the world that the U.S. stands with Taiwan as it defends itself and its freedom. She emphasized that the visit did not represent a change to America’s one China policy. Instead, it honored the unwavering commitment the U.S. has made to Taiwan which is grounded in mutual security, shared values, and economic success.
Pelosi said that solidarity with the people of Taiwan is as important as ever, as the world faces a stark choice between democracy and autocracy. She denounced Beijing’s continued aggression against Taiwan as cowardly and said it cannot be met with silence.
China strongly condemned Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last year as a serious violation of the one-China policy and retaliated with nearly a week-long military drills with live-fire exercises around the island.