Taiwan President on a Diplomatic Mission
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has embarked on a 10-day diplomatic mission to Central America, which includes transit stops in the United States. The trip comes at a sensitive time for US-China relations, with Beijing viewing such visits as an expression of support for Taiwan’s independence and a provocation.
China Warns Against Meetings with US Officials
China has warned against any meetings between Tsai and US officials, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, during her US stopovers. The Chinese government views such meetings as a violation of the “one-China” principle and has threatened to retaliate if they proceed.
US Rebukes China’s Threats
Despite China’s warning, the United States has refused to cancel or change the itinerary of Tsai’s trip. The White House has issued a warning to China, stating that there is “absolutely no reason” for Beijing to use Tsai’s transit as an excuse to carry out “aggressive or coercive activities” aimed at Taiwan.
Taiwan Seeks Diplomatic Support
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ingwen is making a trip to Guatemala and Belize through the US. The purpose of her visit is to strengthen diplomatic partnerships, which have dwindled in number in recent years due to China’s pressure. Only 13 countries now have official relations with Taiwan, and several Pacific and Central American nations have switched recognition to China.
Tensions Rise Along With US-China Relations
The status of Taiwan is a sensitive issue in US-China relations, which are already at their lowest point in decades. The Biden administration views Beijing as its most serious challenge and competitor in influencing the global order. Meanwhile, Taiwan sees itself as a self-governing island democracy and has no plans to yield to external pressure.
Experts Warn Against Provocation
Experts warn that any tough talk from US lawmakers during Tsai’s visit could provoke China into taking action. They fear that such actions could create a window of opportunity for Beijing to seize the moment and assert its authority.
Taiwan’s Fragile Status Highlighted
Tsai’s visit comes at a time when Beijing is enjoying newly established diplomatic ties with Honduras and a visit from Tsai’s predecessor, which highlights Taiwan’s fragile status in the international arena. The governing Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan criticized former President Ma Ying-jeou’s visit to China, which comes after Honduras established diplomatic relations with Beijing, severing its ties with Taipei. However, Ma’s unofficial visit to China is not expected to drastically alter the direction of Taiwanese politics.
In conclusion, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen is on a 10-day mission to Central America, which includes stopovers in the United States. China sees such visits as expressions of support for Taiwan’s independence and has warned against any meetings between Tsai and US officials during her stay. However, the United States has rebuked China’s threats and insisted that there is no need for Beijing to carry out “aggressive or coercive activities”. As tensions rise along with US-China relations, experts warn against provocation and fear that it may give China an opportunity to assert its authority over Taiwan.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
