Skip to main content

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.
Annabelle Chih/Getty Images

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. 

“Syria recognizes only one China,” the ministry added. 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani reacted similarly. He criticized Pelosi’s visit and reiterated Iran’s support for a “One China” policy, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported. 

Notably, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone Friday. The two discussed improving bilateral relations as well as US policy in Asia, according to the IRNA. 

The Palestinian Presidency also expressed support today for China's territorial integrity and unity. The presidency called for a halt to any actions contrary to a One China policy, the Palestinian Authority's WAFA news outlet reported

Why it matters: China is aligned with both Iran and Syria. Last year, China and Iran signed a $400 billion, 25-year partnership agreement. The results are already showing. Iran’s trade with China grew significantly during the first half of 2022. 

Syria joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative in January. China has also supported Syria at the United Nations, vetoing aid crossings into rebel territory, for example. 

Iran and Syria have contentious relations with the United States, making it no surprise that they maintain warm relations with Beijing. However, China’s ties to US allies in the Middle East are also improving. In March, Saudi Aramco finalized a deal to build a refinery in China. In February, China sold fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates. Last year, a Chinese-run port opened in Israel. 

China’s focus in the region is primarily on economic partnerships, as opposed to security cooperation, economist Howard J. Shatz wrote for Al-Monitor Pro in June. 

Know more: The Biden administration has not explicitly endorsed Pelosi's trip, but a US military aircraft brought Pelosi to Taiwan. Pelosi plans to meet with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen tomorrow. Chinese military planes flew close to Taiwanese territory in response to her visit, Reuters reported.

The United States does not technically recognize Taiwan diplomatically, but enjoys good relations with the country. Pelosi’s visit followed former President Donald Trump signing the Taiwan Travel Act in 2018, which allows high-level American officials to visit Taiwan. 

Update: On Aug. 4, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling on all parties to "avoid escalation" with regards to Taiwan. The ministry added that it adheres to a "One China principle" and that it "recognizes the important and pivotal roles" both the US and China play in global security. 

Join hundreds of Middle East professionals with Al-Monitor PRO.

Business and policy professionals use PRO to monitor the regional economy and improve their reports, memos and presentations. Try it for free and cancel anytime.

Already a Member? Sign in

Free

The Middle East's Best Newsletters

Join over 50,000 readers who access our journalists dedicated newsletters, covering the top political, security, business and tech issues across the region each week.
Delivered straight to your inbox.

Free

What's included:
Our Expertise

Free newsletters available:

  • The Takeaway & Week in Review
  • Middle East Minute (AM)
  • Daily Briefing (PM)
  • Business & Tech Briefing
  • Security Briefing
  • Gulf Briefing
  • Israel Briefing
  • Palestine Briefing
  • Turkey Briefing
  • Iraq Briefing
Expert

Premium Membership

Join the Middle East's most notable experts for premium memos, trend reports, live video Q&A, and intimate in-person events, each detailing exclusive insights on business and geopolitical trends shaping the region.

$25.00 / month
billed annually

Become Member Start with 1-week free trial
What's included:
Our Expertise AI-driven

Memos - premium analytical writing: actionable insights on markets and geopolitics.

Live Video Q&A - Hear from our top journalists and regional experts.

Special Events - Intimate in-person events with business & political VIPs.

Trend Reports - Deep dive analysis on market updates.

All premium Industry Newsletters - Monitor the Middle East's most important industries. Prioritize your target industries for weekly review:

  • Capital Markets & Private Equity
  • Venture Capital & Startups
  • Green Energy
  • Supply Chain
  • Sustainable Development
  • Leading Edge Technology
  • Oil & Gas
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Banking

We also offer team plans. Please send an email to pro.support@al-monitor.com and we'll onboard your team.

Already a Member? Sign in

Security Briefing Security Briefing

Security Briefing

Middle East defense and security in your inbox

Trend Reports

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (4th R) attends a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (3rd L) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 22, 2019. (Photo by HOW HWEE YOUNG / POOL / AFP) (Photo credit should read HOW HWEE YOUNG/AFP via Getty Images)
Premium

From roads to routers: The future of China-Middle East connectivity

A general view shows the solar plant in Uyayna, north of Riyadh, on March 29, 2018. - On March 27, Saudi announced a deal with Japan's SoftBank to build the world's biggest solar plant. (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)
Premium

Regulations on Middle East renewable energy industry starting to take shape

Start your PRO membership today.

Join the Middle East's top business and policy professionals to access exclusive PRO insights today.

Join Al-Monitor PRO Start with 1-week free trial