Nancy Pelosi declared America's "unwavering commitment" to democracy after landing in Taiwan.

Pelosi got off the plane in Malaysia wearing a pink pantsuit and white heels.

She is the highest ranking US official to visit Taiwan in 25 years.

The third in line for the presidency is the House speaker.

China sent weather balloons to Taiwan.

Welcome

The speaker of the house said in a statement that the congressional delegation's visit to Taiwan honors America's commitment to supporting Taiwan's vibrant Democracy.

The Washington Post published Pelosi's op-ed just minutes after she arrived.

Taiwanese citizens hold up signs and banners of welcome outside of the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

There are no Asian countries on the thank-you list.

There are flashing signs of welcome near the top floors of Taiwan's largest and most famous building, Taipei 101.

She is scheduled to meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and legislators on Wednesday to discuss what Pelosi has described to be a focus on "reaffirming our support for our partner and on promoting our shared interests"

The world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy, and America's solidarity with the 23 million people of Taiwan is more important than ever, she said.

A former head of a Chinese newspaper claims there is a high chance of war.

Pre-Taiwan Visit

Pelosi did not include Taiwan in her Asia trip itinerary.

China increased its military presence around the island in the weeks leading up to the possible visit.

The Chinese military will never allow the U.S. side to insist on visiting the Taiwan region.

It was not clear if the trip would happen, with President Biden warning against the visit.

Two weeks ago, the president was quoted as saying, "I think that the military thinks it's not a good idea right now."

The president did not directly ask Pelosi to cancel her trip, according to the administration.

The visit to Taiwan by the House speaker did not lead to World War III, but it will likely lead to more tension between the US and China.

China would definitely not hesitate to start a war over the issue of Taiwan.

Less than a week ago, China warned Biden in a historic phone call that those who play with fire will only get burned.

“One China” Controversy

Washington insists that it upholds the One China policy; however, Pelosi's visit clearly demonstrates the U.S.' support of the self-governing island, and Biden has insisted that the world's most powerful military would defend Taiwan if necessary.

After the Chinese Civil War of 1949, the Chinese Nationalists fled to Taiwan to form their own government. The communists declared rule over the mainland.

Beijing insists that Taiwan is an "inalienable" part of China and that any attempt to change the status quo is doomed to begin a war.

Nearly 80 percent of young Taiwanese people don't consider themselves Chinese and Taiwan has declared itself distinct and independent from the mainland.

China’s Response

China immediately stopped imports of Taiwanese biscuits and pastries after confirmation of Pelosi's visit.

According to Taiwan's Central News Agency, 2,066 Taiwanese companies with China's customs under the category of food have been banned from entering the country.

Electronics, machinery, plastics and chemicals are Taiwan's top exports to China. We don't know if these will join the list of suspended imports.

According to Taiwanese data, China's imports from Taiwan hit a record $189 billion in 2011.

Warplanes and warships can be seen near the median line of the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday morning.

U.S. Response

A group of Republican senators applauded Pelosi for her visit to Taiwan.

The trip was consistent with the U.S. commitment to the "One China policy" and they were committed to all elements of the Taiwan Relations Act.

Pelosi is scheduled to arrive in South Korea on Thursday to meet with the Speaker of the National Assembly.