Background Information
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen is on a diplomatic mission to Central America, including transits in New York City and Los Angeles. This trip comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China. The US has had multiple diplomatic discussions with Beijing about this particular transit. At the same time, Taiwan seeks to shore up its diplomatic partnerships, which have dwindled in number in recent years.
China Threatens Retaliation
China has warned that it would take necessary measures if U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy meets with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during her U.S. visit. This warning by China comes amidst growing tensions between the U.S. and China, which could make Beijing respond more aggressively than in the past. China claims Taiwan as its territory and objects to any meeting that would be an expression of support for Taiwan’s independence.
White House Warning
The White House has advised China against threatening Taiwan due to President Tsai Ing-wen’s trip to the U.S. Tsai is currently transiting through New York and Los Angeles ahead of a diplomatic mission to Central America. The White House reaffirmed its longstanding unofficial relationship with Taiwan and urged China not to use the transit as a pretext for aggressive activity around the Taiwan Strait.
Tsai’s Transits Through U.S.
Tsai has transited through the United States six times since taking office in 2016. Her transit comes after Chinese officials threatened retaliation if she meets with any US officials during her two-day stopovers in New York City and Los Angeles.
Significance of Tsai’s Transit Through U.S.
Tsai’s transit through the U.S. is significant, as Beijing will be paying close attention to what is said while she is there. The danger is that tough talk from US lawmakers could provoke Beijing into taking action sooner. However, the US believes there is “absolutely no reason” for China to use Tsai’s transit as an excuse to carry out “aggressive or coercive activities” aimed at Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Fragile Status
Taiwan’s status is increasingly fragile, as seen with newly established diplomatic ties between Honduras and Beijing. Only 13 countries now have official relations with Taiwan, with several countries in Central America and the Pacific having switched recognition to China in recent years.
Tsai’s Diplomatic Mission
Tsai Ing-wen embarked on a 10-day diplomatic mission to Central America to shore up Taiwan’s diplomatic partnerships. Despite external pressure, Taiwan believes that it has every right to connect with the world.
Public Opinion and DPP Criticism
Public opinion polls show most people in Taiwan oppose unification with China and do not identify as Chinese. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s governing Democratic Progressive Party criticizes Ma Ying-jeou’s trip to China as inappropriate given that Honduras established diplomatic relations with Beijing.
In conclusion, President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the United States and subsequent criticism from China highlights the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China. The international community will be watching closely, as this issue continues to be a major flashpoint in international relations between the United States and China.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
