Taiwan’s vice president is set to travel through the United States next month, a move that is likely to provoke strong opposition from China and further strain relations with Washington. The vice president, Lai Ching-te, who is also a presidential candidate, will make a stop in the U.S. on his way to attend the inauguration of Paraguay’s president on August 14. The exact city of transit has not been disclosed, but it will follow the precedent set by previous trips to South and Central America, where transit stops in the U.S. were arranged.
In April, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen also transited through the U.S. on her way to official meetings in Guatemala and Belize. Despite meeting with U.S. lawmakers, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the description of the trip as a “transit” gave it an unofficial and private undertone. The U.S. State Department has clarified that Lai will make two stopovers in the U.S. during his visits to South America, emphasizing that this is routine due to the long distances involved.
The State Department spokesperson has assured that the U.S. has explained to Beijing that there is no reason for them to overreact to Lai’s transit and use it as a pretext for provocative actions or interference in Taiwan’s election. The spokesperson emphasized that Lai’s transit is in line with the “One China” policy, which allows Taiwanese officials to operate independently from the People’s Republic of China while not recognizing Taiwan as an independent state.
Lai, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party and the party’s presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, will be impartially treated by the U.S. government. Other presidential candidates are also expected to visit the U.S. in the fall. The U.S. aims to preserve peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and has managed its differences with China regarding Taiwan for over 40 years.
However, China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the U.S. and Taiwan, considering it a violation of its core interests. China has previously taken military action against Taiwan in response to contacts between Taipei and Washington. The Biden administration is navigating a delicate balance of providing support to Taiwan while seeking to stabilize relations with China. The administration wants to empower Taiwan diplomatically and militarily to defend against Chinese efforts to subsume the country.
In conclusion, Taiwan’s vice president’s transit through the U.S. next month is expected to face opposition from China and further strain relations with Washington. The U.S. government has assured that the transit is routine and in line with the “One China” policy. The Biden administration remains committed to supporting Taiwan while maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait and managing differences with China.
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