China Warns Biden Administration to Tread Cautiously on Taiwan
President Lai Ching-te’s Visit to Hawaii Sparks Tensions
Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te is welcomed by Hawaiian-based Taiwanese during his visit to the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. (EPA Images pic)
The Biden administration has been warned by China to tread cautiously on the issue of Taiwan after President Lai Ching-te landed in Hawaii on his first stopover on US soil. The visit has sparked tensions between the two nations, with China viewing Taiwan as part of its territory and vehemently opposing any official contact that implies statehood.
Lai’s Stopover in Hawaii
Lai was welcomed by Hawaii Governor Josh Green after arriving on Saturday as part of a state visit to Taiwan’s Pacific island allies. During his visit, Lai visited a World War II memorial and an emergency management office. In a speech at a banquet, he stated that his trip was meant to “symbolise the long-standing friendship between Taiwan and the US, and lays foundations for further collaboration.”
China’s Response
China’s foreign ministry severely condemned the US for allowing Lai to transit in Hawaii. In a statement, Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes all official contact with the island that implies statehood. The Chinese government has also warned the US to avoid any actions that could undermine the “one-China” principle.
Sensitive Timing
Lai’s trip comes at a sensitive time, as President-elect Donald Trump’s return to power casts doubts over the US’s commitment to defending Taiwan from any Chinese invasion. The US’s long-standing position of strategic ambiguity has been muddled by repeated assurances from President Joe Biden to defend Taiwan. This has added fresh turbulence to the major flashpoint between the world’s largest economies, with the threat of a new trade war looming.
Taiwan’s Response
Taiwan’s government department for handling affairs with China condemned Beijing’s response, stating that it damaged peace in the region. The department has also emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with Pacific island allies and shoring up ties with remaining friends.
Upcoming Visits
Lai’s trip is part of his first foreign visit as president. He will head to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, where he will shore up ties with some of Taiwan’s few remaining allies. Later in the week, he will pass through the US territory of Guam, where the US has a major air base. China could respond to these stops with more military drills around Taiwan, which have already been held twice since Lai took office in May.
Conclusion
The visit by President Lai Ching-te to Hawaii has sparked tensions between China and the US over the issue of Taiwan. The Biden administration has been warned to tread cautiously on the issue, while China has condemned the US for allowing Lai to transit in Hawaii. The trip has also raised concerns over the US’s commitment to defending Taiwan and the implications for the region.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Hawaii?
A: The visit is part of a state visit to Taiwan’s Pacific island allies and aims to strengthen ties with remaining friends.
Q: Why has China condemned the US for allowing Lai to transit in Hawaii?
A: China views Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes all official contact with the island that implies statehood.
Q: What is the US’s position on defending Taiwan?
A: The US has a long-standing position of strategic ambiguity on the issue, but repeated assurances from President Joe Biden to defend Taiwan have muddled this position.
Q: What are the implications of Lai’s stopover in Guam?
A: China could respond with more military drills around Taiwan, which have already been held twice since Lai took office in May.