The statement made no mention of Taiwan, despite speculation in recent days that Pelosi may be planning to visit the self-governing republic of 24 million people. China’s Communist Party, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory — although it has never controlled it — has warned against Pelosi visiting the island, and US President Joe Biden recently hinted that the US The military believes such a trip “would not be a good idea at this time.” But US lawmakers on both sides of Washington’s political divide urged her to leave. “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,” Pelosi said in a statement released by her office. He said high-level meetings would be held in each country to “further advance our common interests and values, including peace and security, economic development and trade, the Covid-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, human rights and of democratic governance”. Pelosi said the delegation received a briefing from the leadership of the United States Indo-Pacific Command after a fuel stop in Hawaii, where they visited the Pearl Harbor Memorial and the USS Arizona. Traveling with Pelosi as part of the congressional delegation are Chairman Gregory Meeks (Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee), Chairman Mark Takano (Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee), Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Congressman Andy Kim. “Under President Biden’s strong leadership, America is firmly committed to smart, strategic engagement in the region, understanding that a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific is vital to prosperity in our nation and around the world,” Pelosi said. .
