U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has vowed that America would not watch China threaten Taiwan.

Pelosi made the pledge after arriving in the capital Taipei late Tuesday on a trip regarded as a solidarity call.

It is the first time in 25 years that a senior American official is visiting the Chinese-claimed island.

Pelosi and her delegation landed at Songshan Airport and were received by Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, and top U.S. functionary, Sandra Oudkirk.

In a statement, Pelosi made it clear that her country’s backing for Taiwan was to prevent autocracy in a democratic setting.

It said discussions will focus on reaffirming support for “our partner” and promoting shared interests, including a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“America’s solidarity with the 23 million people of Taiwan is more important today than ever, as the world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy.

“Our visit is one of several Congressional delegations to Taiwan – and it in no way contradicts longstanding United States policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, U.S.-China Joint Communiques and the Six Assurances.

“The United States continues to oppose unilateral efforts to change the status quo”, the statement concluded.

In a Washington Post opinion piece on the trip, Pelosi hailed Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and chided China for increased tensions.

In reference to the ruling Chinese Communist Party, Pelosi said: “We cannot stand by as the CCP proceeds to threaten Taiwan – and democracy itself.”

The 82-year-old U.S. Speaker is on a tour of Asia and will also visit Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan.