Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen Thanked Pelosi for her Support

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen thanked US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is currently on a visit to the country, for her concrete actions in support of Taiwan at this critical time.

She stressed that the island will not back down in the face of increased military threats.

The two met in Taipei as part of Pelosi's visit to the island, which drew sharp criticism from China and prompted Beijing to announce a series of military exercises and recall the US ambassador.

Tsai also told Pelosi that she is one of Taiwan's staunchest friends and thanked her for her steadfast support on the international stage.

The president added that Taiwan is a reliable partner of the United States and will continue to work with Washington to strengthen cooperation in security, economic development and supply chains.

Pelosi met with Tsai Ing-wen despite strong warnings from China against the visit. She is expected to have lunch and then leave the island, Taiwan's official Central News Agency reported.

The trip, which is not endorsed by President Biden, is the first by such a high-ranking US official in 25 years.

21 Chinese fighter jets breached Taiwan's air defense zone, local officials said after Pelosi arrived in Taipei.

China's armed forces have been put on high alert for "targeted military operations" around the island. Beijing's foreign ministry said the United States was taking "extremely dangerous" actions and was playing with fire.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby responded that China cannot intimidate Washington with bellicose rhetoric.

"There is no need for this visit to ignite a crisis or conflict," Kirby added.

Russia said that the Chinese side has every...