-
McConnell and 25 other Republican senators issued statements supporting Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
-
The statement shows how challenging China with bipartisan support has become a rare issue.
-
Pelosi landed in Taiwan on Tuesday, defying threats from Beijing.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and more than 20 other Senate Republicans issued a rare statement Tuesday in support of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. when she visited Taiwan Amid threats from Beijing.
“I support House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.” statement, Notable Republican lawmakers such as Senators John Thune, Senators John Cornyn, Rep. Susan Collins, and Rep. Jim Lish also signed the petition.
“For decades, members of the U.S. Congress, including former Speakers of the House, have visited Taiwan,” the statement continued. We are unanimous, and more than ever, we are committed to all elements of the Taiwan Relations Act.”
The statement illustrates how challenging China has become a bipartisan issue in Washington despite historic political divisions.
Under the “One China” policy that has guided America’s approach to Taiwan for decades, the United States diplomatically acknowledges Beijing’s position that there is only one Chinese government. Also, the United States does not support Taiwan’s independence and does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taipei.
However, the United States maintains a strong economic partnership and strong informal relations with Taiwan. Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the US government is compelled to provide defensive weapons to Taiwan. The United States is Taiwan’s largest arms supplier.
Ahead of Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, China warned: possible military responseThe Chinese government argued that Pelosi’s trip to autonomous island democracy would undermine the one-China policy, infuriating her for making the trip.
China’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday Said Pelosi’s visit “severely undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and sends a grave false signal to separatist forces for ‘Taiwan independence.'”
in the editorial of Washington PostPelosi said visiting Taiwan would serve as an important sign of America’s commitment to democracy.
“we, [Chinese Communist Party] It threatens Taiwan and democracy itself,” Pelosi said, adding, “In fact, we are embarking on this journey at a time when the world is facing a choice between dictatorship and democracy. Russia against Ukraine. As we wage deliberate and illegal wars and kill thousands of innocent people, even children, it is imperative that America and our allies make it clear that they will never bow to dictators.”
Pelosi, the highest-ranking U.S. lawmaker to visit Taiwan for the first time in 25 years, also denied the idea that her trip violated the one-China policy.
China said on Tuesday it was holding live-fire military exercises Close to Taiwan in response to Pelosi’s visit.
Read the original article at business insider