Yahoo TV

US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi met Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei on August 3 during a visit that China says is a “serious violation” of the “One China” concept that guides US-China relations with regard to Taiwan.

Footage streamed live by Tsai shows Pelosi receiving the Order of Propitious Cloud with Special Grand Cordon. Pelosi said the award was a “a symbol of America’s strong and enduring friendship with Taiwan."

Speaking at the event at the Taiwan presidential office, Tsai thanked Pelosi for her “unwavering support” for Taiwan.

Pelosi said the US delegation "came to Taiwan to make unequivocally clear we will not abandon Taiwan.” Pelosi also said now more than ever, US solidarity with Taiwan was “crucial.”

“America’s determination to preserve democracy here in Taiwan and around the world remains iron-clad,” Pelosi said.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said on Weibo the actions of Tsai and her government would “accelerate its own destruction and push Taiwan into the abyss of disaster,” according to a translation.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing “strong opposition” to the visit on Tuesday and announced further military drills in the region, which the Taiwanese military condemned. Credit: Tsai Ing-wen via Storyful