China has conveyed its displeasure regarding the short visit of Taiwanese Vice President William Lai to the US calling him a separatist and a complete ‘troublemaker ‘. This visit occurred as he was en route to Paraguay to participate in a presidential inauguration.
William Lai is the front-runner in the Taiwan’s upcoming presidential elections in January, He is Harvard-educated doctor who has emphasised Taiwan’s independence in the past,
China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory and consider it as a central component of its core interests,has repeatedly condemned Lai’s trip to the US that includes both stopovers, New York on Sunday on his way to Paraguay and San Francisco on Wednesday on his way back to Taipei.
China declared its commitment to employ strong and determined actions in response to the weekend journey of Taiwan’s Vice President William Lai to the United States, a trip that China stated it was closely observing.
China’s foreign ministry released a statement shortly after Lai’s arrival in New York on a planned flight from Taipei.
The Ministry expressed its opposition to visits of any kind by any individuals from Taiwan who advocates “Taiwan independence” to the United States.
The ministry said “Lai stubbornly adheres to the separatist position of Taiwan independence and is a troublemaker through and through.”
It added that China is against any visits to the US by “Taiwan independence separatists.”
The statement also pointed out that recurring instances have demonstrated that increased tensions in the Taiwan Strait often arise from Taiwan’s efforts to pursue independence by seeking support from the United States.
China’s statement also confirmed that China is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to take determined and necessary actions to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity,
China holds a particular dislike towards Lai who has previously identified himself as a proactive advocate for Taiwan’s independence. Despite his campaign statements emphasising the preservation of the current state, with the determination of Taiwan’s future left to its citizens,
“The Republic of China and PRC do not have a hierarchical relationship,” Lai stated, referring to Taiwan’s official name. Lai has been more openly vocal about independence compared to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for China-related policies in Taiwan asserted that China is the primary source of disruption.
The council highlighted China’s recent standoff with the Philippines in the South China Sea and its ongoing military provocations towards Taiwan as evidence.
The council issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, security, democracy, and freedom. They affirmed their unwavering stance and determination, refusing to surrender.
Lai’s Visit To US
Lai arrived at the Lotte Hotel in Manhattan,New York late on Saturday as part of his transit journey to Paraguay, where he is scheduled to attend President-elect Santiago Pena’s inauguration. On his return to Taipei, he is also set to stop in San Francisco.
Upon his arrival in New York on Sunday, Lai expressed on the X social media platform, stating “happy to arrive at the Big Apple, icon of liberty, democracy and opportunities”.
He mentioned being welcomed by representatives from the American Institute in Taiwan, the Taiwan’s de facto embassy in the US, and was eagerly looking forward to seeing friends and attending transit programs in New York”.
According to Reuters news agency, Lai will participate in the gathering with overseas Taiwanese. He will address Taiwanese citizens residing overseas and will make a speech.
Moreover , Lai does not intend any nteractions with US lawmakers. The source also mentioned that Lai aims to maintain and keep this visit as Low key”. As Taiwan and US have a mutual stance to collaboratively navigate potential challenges in the face of an authoritarian environment during this delicate period.
Additionally, He had a meeting with Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan’s chief representative in the US, as well as Ingrid Larson, Managing Director of the American Institute in Taiwan.
Laura Rosenberger, who serves as the chair of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a non-profit organization under the U.S. government responsible for unofficial relations with Taiwan, stated on X that she has plans to meet with Lai in San Francisco, where he is expected to arrive on Wednesday during his return journey.
Lai’s layovers coincide with ongoing attempts by Beijing and Washington to enhance their relations. His visit aligns with current attempts to improve the relationship between the two nations. This could include a potential visit by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the US and set the stage for a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this year.
