Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan LIVE updates: US House Speaker to meet Taiwan's president tomorrow

22:35 (IST)

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan LIVE updates:

 US House Speaker to meet Taiwan's president tomorrow

 US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi will meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday after which she will fly out of the island in the afternoon local time

21:51 (IST)

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan LIVE updates:

Reports of China's Su-35 jets crossing Taiwan Strait are false, says Taipei

Taiwan's defense ministry said late on Tuesday that Chinese state media reports about China's Su-35 fighter jets crossing the sensitive Taiwan Strait separating the island from China were false. The ministry said in a statement it had a full grasp of activities near Taiwan and would appropriately dispatch forces in reaction to 'enemy threats'.

21:37 (IST)

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan LIVE updates:

China vows 'targeted military actions' in response to Pelosi's  visit

China's military vowed Tuesday to launch "targeted military actions" in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, as tensions flare between Washington and Beijing.

"The Chinese People's Liberation Army is on high alert and will launch a series of targeted military operations to counter this, resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely thwart external interference and 'Taiwan independence' separatist attempts," PLA spokesman Wu Qian said in a statement condemning the visit.

21:27 (IST)

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan LIVE updates:

US solidarity with people of Taiwan more important than ever, says House Speaker

America’s solidarity with the 23 million people of Taiwan is more important today than ever, as the world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy, Pelosi said.

21:18 (IST)

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan LIVE updates:

Small protest erupts outside Taipei hotel where Pelosi will stay

Pelosi’s plane landed at Taipei’s Songshan airport at 22:44 pm (local time).

The US House Speaker and her delegation were greeted by local Taiwanese officials, as they alighted the plane. 

Pelosi is expected to travel by motorcade to the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Taipei where she will stay the night, reports BBC. A small demonstration is being held outside the hotel by a pro-China group with some holding up banners reading “go home warmonger”.

21:03 (IST)

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan LIVE updates:

Our visit honours US’ commitment to supporting Taiwan democracy, says Nancy Pelosi

Minutes after landing in Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted, “Our delegation’s visit to Taiwan honors America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant Democracy.”

“Our discussions with Taiwan leadership reaffirm our support for our partner & promote our shared interests, including advancing a free & open Indo-Pacific region.”