“Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen Defies Chinese Warnings, Visits the US”
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in New York on Wednesday for a sensitive stopover on her way to Guatemala and Belize, two of the few countries that recognize Taiwan diplomatically. Despite warnings from China, Tsai Ing-wen is expected to meet with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California. If the meeting goes ahead, it would be the first meeting on US soil between a House speaker and a Taiwanese leader, an idea that angers China.
China claims Taiwan as its own territory, despite the island being democratically ruled. As a result, China has repeatedly warned US officials against meeting with Tsai Ing-wen, considering talks between the two sides as showing support for the island’s aspirations to be seen as a separate country. China has threatened to “resolutely fight back” if Tsai meets McCarthy.
Before departing for the US, Tsai said “external pressure” will not deter Taiwan from engaging with the world. “We are calm and confident, will neither yield nor provoke. Taiwan will firmly walk on the road of freedom and democracy and go into the world. Although this road is rough, Taiwan is not alone.”
Tsai’s visit comes after the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in August last year. Her visit was marked by increased Chinese military activity on the waters and in the airspace surrounding the island of Taiwan. China had issued several warnings against Pelosi’s visit.
Around 20 US lawmakers are expected to accompany McCarthy for his meeting with Tsai. Although there is no official confirmation yet, Tsai Ing-wen is expected to meet McCarthy in California.
Staff Reporter
