Syria, Iran condemn Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan
China is a close ally of both countries but has also made economic inroads recently with US partners in the Middle East.
Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is drawing reactions in the Middle East.
What happened: The California Democrat and speaker of the House of Representatives traveled today to the Asian island claimed by the People’s Republic of China. A longtime critic of China, Pelosi tweeted that the visit demonstrates the United States’ “unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant Democracy.”
Modern Taiwan was founded after World War II when nationalist forces fled to the island from mainland China, having lost the civil war to the communists. The communist side created the People’s Republic of China, which rules mainland China today. Taiwan refers to itself as the Republic of China, and is not officially recognized by most countries.
Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs promptly condemned Pelosi’s visit, calling it a "an act of hostility which doesn’t match with the international law, and doesn’t respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China,” according to the state-run news outlet SANA.
