During a trip to the USA, Taiwan’s president stated that democracy and peace in Taiwan are facing “unprecedented difficulties”. This has angered China.
Tsai-Ing-wen met with both Republican and Democratic congressional leaders in California, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. This was against a backdrop to rising tensions with Beijing which claims the island for its own and has “strongly condemned” her trip.
At a news conference, McCarthy stood alongside President Tsai and said that he believed the bond was stronger than ever. President Tsai, of course is a great champion for that bond.
Since 1979, he is the most senior US figure that has met a Taiwanese leader.
As Speaker of The House of Representatives, McCarthy is the third most powerful US politician after President Joe Biden & Vice President Kamala Harris.
China regards any interaction between Taiwanese and American officials as a threat to its claim to the island.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry has condemned the “egregiously incorrect action taken by the United States of America and Taiwan” and stated that China will take “strong, resolute steps to defend our sovereignty & territorial integrity”.
The spokesperson claimed that the US had committed a serious violation of the one China principle and was “acting with Taiwan in order to connive at the ‘Taiwan independence,’ separatists’ political activities” in America.
The US recognizes China and maintains formal ties with China under its “One China” policy. It also maintains informal relations with Taiwan.
On its website, the US State Department states that it opposes unilateral changes to status quo; Taiwan independence is not supported.
Tsai stated Wednesday that the US’ “unwavering support” reassures Taiwanese “the people of Taiwan that they are not isolated and are not alone.”
She also warned that the peace and democracy they have built are in danger.
“We are in a world that threatens democracy.”
She stated that she had reiterated to US congressional leaders, her determination to “protect the peaceful status quo”.
She added that “preserve peaceful coexistence we must be strong” and that Taiwan was thankful to have the USA by its side.
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They stood in front of Ronald Reagan’s plane in the atrium.
McCarthy stated that the friendship between Taiwanese and Americans is of vital importance to the world. It is crucial to preserve economic freedom, peace, and regional stability.
He stated, “We will honor our obligations and renew our commitment to our shared value behind which all Americans are one.”
According to the White House, there are nothing provocative or new about Ms. Tsai’s trip.
John Kirby, spokesperson for National Security Council, stated that “there’s no reason the Chinese should overreact in anyway.”
In August, the Chinese responded to Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan as House Speaker . They also conducted their largest live-fire drills in decades. This included firing a missile above the island.
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