The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, heads a delegationn of the Congress to the Indo-Pacific region, including visits to Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan.
The trip will focus on mutual security, economic partnership and democratic governance in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Today, our Congressional delegation travels to the Indo-Pacific to reaffirm America’s strong and unwavering commitment to our allies and friends in the region,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“In Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, our delegation will hold high-level meetings to discuss how we can continue to advance our shared interests and values, including peace and security, economic growth and trade, the COVID pandemic -19, the climate crisis, human rights and democratic governance».
“Under President Biden’s strong leadership, the United States is firmly committed to smart and strategic engagement in the region, understanding that a free and flourishing Indo-Pacific is crucial to the prosperity of our nation and the world.”
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Speaker Pelosi went on to say that “it is a privilege for me, as President, to lead this distinguished group of representatives, which includes the chairs of the jurisdiction committees and subcommittees and the advocates of a strong partnership between the United States and Asia-Pacific”
“We look forward to productive meetings that continue to inform the work of Congress to promote our values and interests and strengthen our partnerships in the region.”
The other members of the delegation are:
Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives; Mark Takano, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs; Suzan DelBene, Vice Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee; Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and Andy Kim, a member of the House Armed Services Committee.
Taiwan-Related Tensions
The stopover in Taiwan in the middle of the Asia tour remains a question mark on Pelosi’s trip, which, if completed, would be the highest-ranking US representative to visit Taiwan in 25 years.
From the US government there were no official confirmations, and the rumors began after Taiwanese media spread that the president of the House of Representatives intended to visit the Asian island.
Pelosi had already canceled a trip to Taiwan this year, saying she caught COVID-19 around that time.
Meanwhile, US-China relations remain tense, after Xi Jinping warned that “You cannot defy public opinion. Those who play with fire will perish for it. The United States must respect the one-China principle.” to Joe Biden, in the telephone communication that both parties had days ago.
The world is awaiting the development of the situation and waiting to see if Pelosi will finally visit Taiwan and if China will fulfill its promises to respond aggressively.
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