PHOTOS: Taiwanese celebrate Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, landed in Taiwan on Tuesday, ignoring China's threats and becoming the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the autonomous island in 25 years. 

Taiwanese welcomed Pelosi with cheers and applauses. Some even displayed messages from Taipei 101, the capital's tallest building, that read "Thank you," “TW ❤️ US," "Speaker Pelosi," and "Welcome to TW."

Several people gathered around the airport to record the historic moment when the U.S. delegation's plane descended on the island. 

"Welcome to Taiwan," shouted one of the attendees to applause.

A large billboard was also displayed in Taipei, Taiwan's capital, to welcome Pelosi. 

While specific details of Pelosi's itinerary in Taiwan have not been publicly confirmed, she is expected to visit the country's Legislative Yuan on Wednesday morning and meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen before departing.

Some Taiwanese took the opportunity to protest against China in front of the Grand Hyatt hotel in Taipei, where Pelosi was expected to stay, reported Voice of America.

During Pelosi’s visit to Taipei, Chinese amphibious tanks were stationed on the beaches near the island.

Internet users shared images on the Chinese social media Weibo about the presence of amphibious tanks off the coast of Fujian along the Taiwan Strait.

In addition to tanks, other images show military equipment on the move in the city of Xiamen.

Pelosi arrived in Taipei at 10:45 am EST, her office confirmed in a press release.

"Our visit is one of several Congressional delegations to Taiwan, and in no way contradicts longstanding U.S. policy guided by the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, the U.S.-China Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances. The United States continues to oppose unilateral efforts to change the status quo," the House Speaker said.