US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi departs from Taiwan after controversial visit

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi departed from the self-ruled island on Wednesday after a short trip. Pelosi trip raised tension in the Taiwan Strait.

“Our delegation has the distinct privilege of meeting with the President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen today,” Pelosi tweeted.

The two countries discussed how America and Taiwan can deepen their economic ties, and further strengthen the security partnership.

For over twenty years the US House Speaker was the highest-level US official to visit Taiwan. “It was also my high honor to receive from President @iingwen of Taiwan the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon: a symbol of our treasured friendship. Make no mistake: America remains unwavering in our commitment to the people of Taiwan-now and for decades to come,” she added.

Earlier on Tuesday night, the US Congressional delegation landed in Taiwan. Since she landed Pelosi held several discussions with top leadership in Taiwan.

“There is a struggle between democracy and autocracy in the world. We cannot back away from that. As China uses its soft power in order to gain support, we’ve to talk about Taiwan in terms of its technological advancement and show people Taiwan’s courage to become more democratic,” Pelosi said.

Pelosi responded to China over her visit, “No more evidence is needed on what happened in Hong Kong, one country two systems didn’t happen. We don’t want anything to happen to Taiwan by force.”

During talks with Taiwanese leadership, Pelosi has made a bedrock promise to always stand with the island country.

However, China opposed the US House Speaker’s Taiwan visit terming the trip a serious violation of the one-china principle. As a part of military operations, China also announced live firing near Taiwan in response to Pelosi’s visit.