Taiwan’s fragile status in the face of China’s retaliation
The Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is embarking on a 10-day diplomatic mission to Central America with stopovers in New York City and Los Angeles on either side of official visits to Guatemala and Belize. However, her trip has attracted heightened attention because of the possibility that she might meet with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during her transit in the US.
White House warns against aggressive activity from China
The White House refers to the trip as “transit,” so as not to elevate Tsai’s visit as official government travel, consistent with the longstanding unofficial relationship between Taiwan and the US. This transits through the US five times before without incident. However, Chinese officials have threatened retaliation if Tsai meets any US officials.
U.S.-China relations affecting TsaI’s trip
The strained US-China relations have affected Tsai’s trip as US officials provide information about past US transits of Taiwan’s presidents to Chinese officials. The White House urges China not to use this transit as a pretext to step up its aggression around the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan faces external pressure from China but remains determined to move toward international society. China has condemned the trip and pledged to fight back if Tsai meets McCarthy whom they view as a violation of their sovereignty.
Taiwan seeks diplomatic partnerships while being faced with pressure from China
Tsai’s trip comes as Taiwan seeks to shore up diplomatic partnerships, which have dwindled in number in recent years due to China’s pressure and enticement. Only 13 countries now have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, while several countries in Central America and the Pacific have switched recognition to China.
Taiwan has defacto, but non-official diplomatic relations with many Western nations, including the United States. However, China’s ruling Communist Party claims the self-governing island democracy as its own, despite never having controlled it, and has not ruled out using force to one day take Taiwan.
Tsai remains calm and confident
Despite China’s threats, Tsai remains calm and confident. Her government will engage with the world and remain committed to freedom and democracy. Nevertheless, Taiwan’s status is increasingly fragile, and tensions between the US and China could escalate the situation.
The US maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and recognizes Beijing as the sole legal government of China. The status of Taiwan is a sensitive issue that could trigger an armed conflict between the two superpowers.
It is vital for the US to continue supporting Taiwan’s self-defense and strengthen its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Tsai’s transit through the US is significant, and Beijing will closely monitor the situation. The world awaits how this trip will affect the fragile relationship between China and Taiwan.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
