The House speaker has vowed China will not stand in the way of Taiwan’s friendships with the US as Beijing reacts to visit with outrage

• Pelosi visits Taiwan – live

US House speaker Nancy Pelosi has pledged America’s “crucial” solidarity with Taiwan, in a historic meeting with Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, who vowed not to back down in the face of military threats from China.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Pelosi questioned the motivations of Chinese president Xi Jinping when asked about his strong response to her visit. China has vowed “consequences” and has said it will begin live fire drills close to Taiwan on Thursday.