Nancy Pelosi reiterates her unwavering support for Taiwan’s inclusion during talks with Taiwanese President Lai
In a phone conversation with Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, on Monday, former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reaffirmed her steadfast support for Taiwan’s membership in international organizations. “Warm and cordial” is how Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo characterized the conversation, which occurred during Lai’s Hawaii layover, Taiwan News said.
Pelosi welcomed Lai to the U.S., congratulated him on his recent election win, and reiterated her historic support for Taiwan’s place in the world.
Pelosi emphasized that Taiwan’s absence from international organizations might have “unimaginable consequences” for regional security and the global economy, citing her work at the World Health Organization (WHO), according to Taiwan News.
She also emphasized the bipartisan support for Taiwan in the US Congress, underscoring her dedication to making sure the island’s voice is heard globally.
The topic of double taxation between the US and Taiwan was also discussed. Pelosi emphasized the significance of finding a solution to this issue, pointing out that it demonstrates the close and expanding relationship between the two countries.
A week-long tour to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific, including the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Tuvalu, including Lai’s stay in Hawaii. The journey is seen as an attempt to thwart China’s Belt and Road Initiative and improve Taiwan-US relations.
The visit has strategic importance because of Taiwan’s position in the center of the first island chain, which is a vital line of defense against Chinese expansionism, according to CNA, Taiwan News said.
Lai’s visits to Hawaii, Palau, and Guam are a part of a plan to connect the first, second, and third island chains, according to Su Tzu-yun, a research fellow at the Institute for National Defence and Security Research (INDSR). These networks are essential to limiting China’s regional dominance since they include important areas like Taiwan, Guam, and Hawaii.
“The first island chain is the ‘first line of defence’ against Chinese expansionism and a critical maritime route for fuel,” Su said to CNA.
Taiwan News said that recent US carrier strike group deployments in the Pacific are probably intended to dissuade China but are not directly related to Lai’s trip, according to Chieh Chung, a research fellow at the Association of Strategic Foresight.
According to analysts, China may retaliate by holding military drills close to Taiwan, although doing so might provoke criticism from other countries.
