US house speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives in Taiwan amid rising tensions with China

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, to be annexed by force if necessary, and views visits by foreign government officials as recognition of the island’s sovereignty

People walk past a billboard welcoming US house speaker Nancy Pelosi in Taipei (AP)

US house speaker Nancy Pelosi has arrived in Taiwan, becoming the highest-ranking American official to visit the self-ruled island that is claimed by China in 25 years.

Ms Pelosi’s visit has triggered increased tensions between China and the United States.