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Arrival of Nancy Pelosi: Cheers at Taipei Airport
Choirs of joy at the airport in the Taiwanese capital, renewed threats and condemnation from China: US politician Nancy Pelosi has landed – and promised Taiwan solidarity.
Cheers at the airport in Taiwan's capital as the plane carrying Nancy Pelosi lands.
There had been a lot of speculation in advance about the trip of the high-ranking US politician.
The Chinese government views Pelosi's trip to Taiwan as a provocation, as it claims long-independent Taiwan and threatens to conquer it, militarily if necessary.
Pelosi's visit is the highest-ranking US visit to Taiwan in 25 years.
Messages of welcome for Pelosi also on the Taipei 101 skyscraper, the 500 meter high landmark of the capital.
The 82-year-old Speaker of the US House of Representatives stressed that her visit would not change the United States' previous China policy.
Upon her arrival, she tweeted, alluding to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine:
"America's solidarity with the 23 million people of Taiwan is more important now than ever as the world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy."
A government statement condemning the landing of Pelosi was read on Chinese state television.
Pelosi's visit seriously endangers peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits.
Beijing also threatened "targeted military action".
There were also isolated protests in Taipei, Taiwan, on the occasion of their arrival.
Pelosi is expected to meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and lawmakers on Wednesday.
The US has committed to Taiwan's defense capability.
