Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, arrived in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. With that, he embarked on his most controversial trip, which has fueled tensions between the US and China.

China strongly disapproves of Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. Beijing considers the island off the Chinese coast a treacherous area. The country is trying to crush any support for an independent government in Taipei.

Pelosi’s visit is being interpreted as a provocation and an act of hostility in Beijing. Ahead of the visit, the Chinese regime threatened to deploy the military. Whether that will come true is questionable, but there is a possibility that China will show its disapproval through a show of military power.

Beijing condemned the visit shortly after Pelosi’s State Department statement. China says the visit seriously affects peace and stability in the region.

The Chinese Ministry of Defense also issued a statement. Army has been alerted. The ministry also announced military operations in the waters around Taiwan, the news agency said Reuters.

Earlier reports by Chinese state media that Chinese Su-35 fighter jets would fly over the Taiwan Strait were denied by Taiwan’s Defense Ministry. The ministry said it is closely monitoring Chinese military activities in the region.

Pelosi: Visit not against US policy

Pelosi is in Taiwan to show her support for the island. After Russia’s actions in Ukraine, the fear of China invading the country has increased. Also, Beijing refuses to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement, Pelosi said the talks with the Taiwanese government “reaffirm support for our partner and advance our shared interests, including a free Indo-Pacific region.”

“At a time when the world must choose between autocracy and democracy, American solidarity with the 23 million Taiwanese is more important than ever,” writes the American statesman.

He also insists that his visit is not against US policy. “Our visit is one of several congressional delegation visits to Taiwan that are in no way contrary to US policy,” he wrote.

It was the first time in 25 years that such a high-profile American politician had visited the island. Pelosi is the second most powerful politician in the United States after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden previously advised his Democratic colleagues not to visit Taiwan, citing diplomatic sensitivities.

Arrival divides America

Taiwan is considered one of the most dangerous fires in the world. The Chinese and US governments are eager for an unexpected event that would bring the two countries into direct conflict.

So Pelosi’s proposed trip puts America in a difficult position. On the one hand, it was a deeply cherished wish of Taiwanese leaders. The visit of such a high profile US politician gives the country more recognition on the world stage.

Additionally, canceling the visit would have offended the US ally. Also, it would have sent a message that the US is bowing to China and does not consider Taiwan important enough to take risks. Beijing may have made decisions about possible US retaliation after a Chinese invasion of the island.

On the other hand, Pelosi’s visit carries clear risks. For example, it was earlier feared that the Chinese would choose its aircraft with Chinese fighter jets. If they entered Taiwan airspace, an accident would have occurred – whether Beijing wanted it or not.