President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan arrived in the United States on Wednesday for a two-stopover visit in the country before her official state visits to two of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, Guatemala and Belize, as China warns of possible confrontation. Tsai’s trip to the United States and Central America aimed to show that Taiwan still has allies as it faces China’s rising threats.
Tsai aims to strengthen Taiwan’s partnerships with Central America
During her visit, President Tsai is expected to meet with the American Institute in Taiwan chair, Laura Rosenberger. She also aims to strengthen Taiwan’s partnerships with Central America during her state visits to Guatemala and Belize. However, China has objected to any meetings between President Tsai and US officials, especially with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
China claims Taiwan as its own territory, despite never having controlled it. Beijing warned that Tsai’s visit could lead to “serious confrontation” and could have a “severe impact” on US-China ties. Reports indicate that Beijing has already taken measures, such as canceling some planned performances of Chinese acrobats at the National Theater in Taipei.
Tensions grow between US and China
The tensions between the United States and China over trade, military and diplomatic issues have grown rapidly in recent months. This situation is further heightened by China’s ongoing expansionist policies in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States recognizes China’s position that Taiwan is part of its territory but has never officially recognized Beijing’s claim to the island. Furthermore, Washington has sought reelection downplay Tsai’s stopovers as nothing unusual and urged Beijing not to use them as an excuse to carry out “aggressive or coercive activities” aimed at Taiwan.
China-US military tensions increase
China has been ramping up its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan in recent years. It has also increased its military ties with Russia and its refusal to criticize Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. This move has heightened tensions between China and the United States as the two nations look further away from a potential settlement on trade, security and human rights issues.
Moreover, China has deployed spyware in countries while increasing its stockpile of nuclear weapons, which raises concerns regarding a possible attack on Taiwan or other US interests. Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate regarding hegemony in East Asia, driven by a desire to assert the interests of major powers.
Taiwan continues to seek allies despite China’s military threats
As China threatens Taiwan with invasion through both proxy warfare and direct military force, President Tsai visit’s to US and Central America sends clear warning signs that Taiwan will continue to seek allies in the West despite opposition from China. This is largely seen as a measure to counterbalance China’s strategy of making deals with other countries in the region.
Taiwan remains an important partner for the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, and a major recipient of US military aid. With Tsai’s visit, she aims to send a clear message that Taiwan is willing to stand up for itself and pursue its own interests despite mounting pressure from Beijing.
In conclusion, Tsai’s visit comes at a time when tension between the US and China are at their highest, with several issues dividing the two nations. China continues to assert its territorial claims over Taiwan with coercion tactics; however, President Tsai’s trip seeking out new allies demonstrated that Taiwan still has strategic importance in countering China’s rising power in East Asia.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
