House Speaker Kevin McCarthy meets with Taiwanese president in California despite China threats

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in southern California on Wednesday, becoming the most senior US elected official to meet a Taiwanese leader on American soil since 1979.

McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Tsai briefly shook hands after her SUV pulled up to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, northwest of Los Angeles. Giant wooden doors closed behind them as they walked inside for what were to be several hours of meetings with Democratic and Republican members of Congress.

In the parking lot, small groups of demonstrators waved signs, both in support of Taiwan and of China’s claim to the island.