Taiwan President’s Pacific Tour Ignites Tensions with China
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has embarked on his first trip abroad since taking office in May, a week-long tour of the Pacific that has sparked fiery threats from Beijing. The trip is seen as a bid to strengthen Taiwan’s international ties and demonstrate its commitment to democracy.
The Trip
Lai flew to the US today, where he will stop over in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam before visiting Taiwan’s allies Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. These Pacific island nations are the only ones among the 12 remaining allies that recognize Taiwan, after China poached others with promises of aid and investment.
In a speech shortly before take-off, Lai said the trip "ushered in a new era of values-based democracy" and thanked the US government for "helping to make this trip a smooth one." He expressed his desire to "continue to expand cooperation and deepen partnerships with our allies based on the values of democracy, peace, and prosperity."
Escorted by F-16 Fighter Jets
Taiwan deployed four F-16 fighter jets to escort the Taiwan-flagged China Airlines plane carrying Lai, government officials, and media outlets. During the flight, Lai thanked everyone on board for "travelling together to open up Taiwan’s international space" in what he described as a "grand event."
China’s Response
The trip has elicited a furious response from China, which has vowed to "resolutely crush" any attempts for Taiwan independence. China considers self-governed Taiwan to be part of its territory and opposes any international recognition of the island and its claim to be a sovereign state.
Taiwan’s Situation
Taiwan lives under the constant threat of an invasion by China, which has refused to rule out using force to bring the island under its control. Beijing deploys fighter jets, drones, and warships around Taiwan on a near-daily basis to press its claims, with the number of sorties increasing in recent years.
Expert Analysis
Bonnie Glaser, a Taiwan-China affairs expert at the German Marshall Fund of the US, said Lai’s tour of the Pacific was an opportunity for him "to show those countries and the world that Taiwan matters." She noted that China always wants to leave the impression that Taiwan is isolated and dependent on the PRC, but when Taiwan’s president travels outside Taiwan, it’s a reminder that there are countries in the world that value their diplomatic relationships with Taiwan.
US Support
The US is Taiwan’s most important backer and biggest supplier of arms, but Washington does not have official diplomatic relations with Taipei. Lai’s trip comes as the US approved the possible sale of spare parts for F-16 fighter jets and radar systems as well as communications equipment to Taiwan, in deals valued at US$385 million in total.
Conclusion
Lai’s Pacific tour is a significant step in Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its international ties and demonstrate its commitment to democracy. The trip has sparked tensions with China, which will likely continue to pose a threat to Taiwan’s security. However, Taiwan’s allies and partners will continue to support the island nation’s efforts to maintain its sovereignty and independence.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of Lai’s Pacific tour?
A: The tour is aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s international ties and demonstrating its commitment to democracy.
Q: What is China’s response to Lai’s trip?
A: China has vowed to "resolutely crush" any attempts for Taiwan independence and has refused to recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state.
Q: What is the US’s role in Taiwan’s security?
A: The US is Taiwan’s most important backer and biggest supplier of arms, but Washington does not have official diplomatic relations with Taipei.