What’s at stake with a Pelosi visit to Taiwan
Washington Post
More US Lawmakers Visit Taiwan 12 Days After Pelosi Trip
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Image copyright: Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs [via AP News]
The Facts
A five-member US delegation, led by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), arrived in Taiwan on Sun., only 12 days after the visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi prompted China to begin military drills around the island.
The lawmakers will meet Taiwanese Pres. Tsai Ing-wen and other officials from her government, as well as members of the private sector, reportedly to discuss reducing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and investing in semiconductors.
The Spin
Narrative A
Public sentiment in many democracies is turning against China's authoritarian rule. This latest US delegation shows the widespread popularity of visiting Taiwan among the US electorate, especially as the elections approach in November. Delegations that show support for Taiwan's democracy make sense both geopolitically and in domestic US politics.
Pro-China narrative
The visit to Taiwan is more provocation by the US as part of their attempt to confront mainland China. This again shows that Washington isn't interested in stability across the Taiwan Strait and is exacerbating tensions while interfering in Beijing's internal affairs. The US should honor its historical agreement to the One China policy.
