House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan has been a cause for concern. After all, it’s an ally that has resisted American attempts to reunify with the Republic of China (Taiwan). South Korea and China have also raised questions. They are also interested in knowing what the US has to say about the issue, as well as what effect the trip will have on US policies. Here are some of the answers we’ve learned about Taiwan.
U.S. allies and partners respond
If you have been following the news you probably know that the US has decided to make a trip to Taiwan. The trip is the first of its kind by a US House speaker in over 25 years. It is a sign of Washington’s increasing assertiveness in the Asia region. But it is also likely to increase tensions in the region.
This decision is not only illegal, but it is also a blatant violation of territorial integrity and international law. Not only did Pelosi violate the UN Charter’s ‘non-interference’ rule, but the trip also undermines the one-China principle.
Aside from violating basic UN Charter principles, the trip also stokes regional tensions. In the ensuing days, Chinese military vessels and aircraft moved closer to Taiwan. They also conducted a simulated blockade of the island and launched missiles into Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
Some analysts believe the trip was a way to “sow the seed” for a regional war. Others say the trip is simply a diversion for US politicians to gain votes.
Impact on US Taiwan policy
Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan earlier this month has had a significant impact on US Taiwan policy. The House speaker’s visit is the most high-profile senior US official to visit Taiwan in 25 years.
Pelosi’s visit came as Beijing was conducting unprecedented military drills around Taiwan. This was a response to Pelosi’s visit and an attempt to re-establish a more aggressive posture in the Taiwan Strait.
China saw Pelosi’s visit as an outsized break with the U.S.’s assurances that it would not use its military to impose its will on Taiwan. It also viewed it as a provocation that could embolden separatist forces in Taiwan.
Chinese officials accused the United States of emboldening Taiwan’s separatist forces and of changing its “one China” policy. They said that the United States was violating its assurances by visiting Taiwan, and they warned against allowing Pelosi’s trip to be a pretext for military action.
South Korea’s reservations
Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last week was met with a lot of controversy. It was seen as a sign of support for the Taiwanese people, and it also could have heightened tensions between the United States and China.
The Chinese government has been particularly hostile to Pelosi’s visit. Beijing had warned the U.S. that it would take “harsh” countermeasures if it attempted to “disturb” Taiwan’s territorial sovereignty.
On the other hand, South Korea’s government has been cautious about Pelosi’s visit. The Koreans don’t want to anger China by showing that they don’t want to defend Taiwan. They don’t want to contribute to Taiwan’s defense either, but they don’t want to face the wrath of China.
Earlier this week, South Korean officials said that they would discuss a wide range of topics with Pelosi, including security and climate issues in the Indo-Pacific region. Although they hadn’t confirmed the schedule of meetings, it was expected that Yoon Suk Yeol, President of the Republic of Korea, would have a phone conversation with Pelosi.
China’s response
China’s response to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan has heightened tensions in the region. The Chinese government viewed the visit as a political provocation, and the country’s leadership reacted with a dramatic show of force.
During the trip, Pelosi met with the Taiwanese president and leadership of the opposition Kuomintang party. Her visit also pushed the action-reaction cycle on Taiwan into a dangerous equilibrium.
In response, Beijing issued a list of measures against Taiwan. It suspended some trade with Taiwan and blocked thousands of food imports.
It launched series of military exercises around the island. It also sent squadrons of jets near Taiwan. And it announced a monthlong live-fire drill in the Bohai Sea.
The response to Pelosi’s visit was criticized by a number of American analysts, who see the PRC as overreacting. Some suggested that the U.S. might consider shooting down Ms. Pelosi’s aircraft, while others expected a missile attack.
