Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating and former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are embroiled in a heated exchange over Taiwan. Keating labeled Taiwan as 'Chinese real estate,' prompting Pelosi to call his statement 'ridiculous' and 'stupid,' emphasizing that Taiwan is a democratic entity. Keating countered by criticizing Pelosi’s 2022 visit to Taiwan, which he claimed nearly escalated US-China tensions to a military confrontation. Both leaders reiterated their respective stances, with Keating advocating for Australia's non-involvement in Taiwan's status and Pelosi defending Taiwan’s democracy and criticizing China's human rights record. The Taiwanese government also condemned Keating's comments, asserting their sovereignty and independence. The dispute underscores broader geopolitical tensions and differing international policies towards Taiwan and China.