Pelosi visits Taiwan despite Chinese military threats Beijing launches live-fire military exercises

Speaker Nancy Pelosi makes an unannounced visit to Taiwan, becoming the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the island in 25 years despite sharp warnings from Beijing and concerns expressed by the Biden administration. China responds by launching the largest military exercises around Taiwan in decades, including live-fire drills and missile launches over the island. The exercises include simulated blockade operations and cross the Taiwan Strait median line, which China had previously respected. Biden had told reporters weeks earlier that the military "thinks it's not a good idea right now."