"China cannot prevent world leaders from visiting Taiwan," the speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress, Nancy Pelosi, said today after the end of her visit to the self-governing island, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.

"Unfortunately, Taiwan is not allowed to participate in international meetings, the last of which was that of the International Health Organization (WHO), due to objections from the Chinese Communist Party," Pelosi said.

"Although the Chinese can prevent Taiwan from sending its leaders to international forums, they cannot prevent world leaders or anyone from visiting Taiwan to express their respect for its flourishing democracy, to highlight its many success and to confirm our commitment to lasting cooperation", the head of the lower house of the parliament in Washington was categorical.

China condemned Pelosi's visit to Taiwan and said it would defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity