Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Prisoners' Information Office: Four of his ribs were broken
Palestinian Prisoners' Information Office: Marwan al-Barghouti lost consciousness after a brutal assault by Israeli occupation soldiers
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip have not stopped, and just a short while ago, fishermen came under fire from boats
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli occupation forces carry out a large explosion in the eastern neighborhood of the town of Mays al-Jabal in southern Lebanon.
Israeli media: Israeli political leadership decides to open Rafah crossing “as planned” and transfer aid to Gaza Strip.
Palestinian media: Three Palestinians were killed after being targeted by Israeli drone fire in the al-Shujaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City
Nicolas Maduro: The Palestinian cause is the most sacred cause for humanity, and we propose sending teams of builders, farmers, and doctors to Gaza to help the people
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Lebanon: IOF infiltrate Khallet Wardeh towards the municipality in the town of Aita al-Shaab, south of Lebanon.
Leaders of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey sign a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Trump arrives in Sharm el-Sheikh

Pelosi slams ex-Australia PM for saying Taiwan is Chinese territory

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 13 Aug 2024 11:58
  • 10 Shares
4 Min Read

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had inflamed tensions between the US and China in 2022 by making a visit to Taiwan that Beijing understood as an intent to increase tensions.

Listen
  • x
  • Democratic Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi speaks at the North Carolina Democratic Unity Dinner fundraiser in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, July 20, 2024 (AP)
    Democratic Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi speaks at the North Carolina Democratic Unity Dinner fundraiser in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, July 20, 2024 (AP)

Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating and former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are taking jabs at each other over Taiwan after the latter criticized Keating's recent comments regarding its status.

The controversy began when Pelosi, during an interview with Australia's ABC network, condemned Keating's description of Taiwan as "Chinese real estate," calling it a "stupid statement." Pelosi emphasized that Taiwan was a democracy governed by its people and not just a territory of China. "Taiwan is Taiwan," she said.

It is noteworthy that the US, as per agreements with China, must abide by the One-China Principle, in accordance with which the People's Republic of China is seen as the sole representative of China and the Chinese people, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

"I've no idea about Keating, but I think that it was a stupid statement to make, and I don’t know what his connection is to China that he would say such a thing," Pelosi added.

"But it is really not in the security interest of the Asia-Pacific region for people to talk that way."

Keating, who has consistently advocated for Australia to avoid entanglement in a potential conflict over Taiwan's future, responded swiftly. He accused Pelosi of nearly provoking a military confrontation between the United States and China during her 2022 visit to Taiwan.

Keating argued that the then-House speaker's visit was "recklessly indulgent" and suggested that it had put the Asia-Pacific region's security at risk.

Related News

US approves covert CIA action in Venezuela: Reports

Pete Hegseth's plan diverts to UK after onboard emergency

Pelosi's 2022 visit marked the first time in 25 years that a US House Speaker visited Taiwan, a move that drew significant ire from Beijing, which asserts that it has sovereignty over the island. The visit led to heightened military tensions, with China conducting extensive military drills, including ballistic missile tests over Taiwan.

In his statement, Keating criticized the ABC for allegedly not providing Pelosi with the full context of his remarks. He clarified that he believes Taiwan's future should be resolved through peaceful social and political means, without the need for confrontation or violence. Keating emphasized that his stance was driven by Australia's national interests rather than those of the United States or Taiwan.

Not important for Australia

The former Australian premier also reiterated his position that Taiwan's democratic choices are not of vital importance to Australia, comparing them to the political systems of other Southeast Asian nations like Cambodia and Laos.

Keating's comments have not gone unchallenged in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while acknowledging Keating's right to his views, stated that his government must prioritize Australia's contemporary needs. "The world is different," Albanese remarked, noting the significant changes in global dynamics since Keating's time in office from 1991 to 1996.

China has repeatedly warned the US to commit to the "One China" policy, which Washington claims it adheres to and that its actions comply with.

The Asian giant also criticized Washington for aiding efforts to promote "Taiwan independence" through military strengthening and declared its opposition to the US interference in Taiwan affairs in any way or under any pretext.

Earlier in July, Beijing announced that it had suspended important arms control and non-proliferation negotiations with the United States, in response to the US' continued supply of weapons to Taipei.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said that the US actions had "severely damaged the political atmosphere necessary for continued arms control consultations between the two sides."

In light of that, Li said, "China has decided to suspend talks with the US on holding a new round of arms control and non-proliferation consultations," adding that "the responsibility for this situation lies entirely with the US," directly accusing Washington for the interruption of discussions.

  • United States
  • Taiwan
  • Nancy Pelosi
  • Paul Keating
  • China
  • Australia

Most Read

Iran strikes secret Israeli-US bunker under Tel Aviv high-rise

Tel Aviv high-rise struck by Iran hid Site 81, secret US-Israeli base

  • Politics
  • 14 Oct 2025
Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jaafarawi in an undated image in Gaza, occupied Palestine (Social media)

Gaza Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jafarawi killed by collaborators

  • Politics
  • 12 Oct 2025
drop site

New report details extensive Israeli arson in Gaza after ceasefire

  • Politics
  • 13 Oct 2025
Illustration of fists breaking shackles, representing the liberation of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons. (Illustrated by: AL Mayadeen English/Batoul Chamas)

4 prominent Palestinian detainees to be freed: Who are they?

  • Palestine
  • 13 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Members of the media wait for Palestinian prisoners and injured at the Rafah border crossing in Egypt, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Rafah crossing to reopen for travelers from Gaza: Reuters

US President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Oval Office at the White House, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Washington (AP)
Politics

'Israel' may resume Gaza war if Hamas breaches ceasefire, Trump says

Mourners attend the funeral of slain captive Captain Daniel Peretz at Mt. Herzl military cemetery in occupied al-Quds, Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam Brigades hand over all living Israeli captives

Armored vehicles drive through a street during a government-organized march in support of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 (AP)
Politics

US approves covert CIA action in Venezuela: Reports

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS