China threatens a strong response if Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen meets with Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy. On Wednesday, Tsai left for a short visit to the United States, heading to Guatemala and Belize. On the way there and back, she passes through American and American media expecting a conversation with McCarthy.
Beijing considers this a provocation and a violation of China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting would “destroy peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” China opposes the talk and will “definitely take steps to respond decisively.”
Tsai said before leaving that Chinese pressure would not prevent her from going out into the wide world. “Taiwan will resolutely continue on the path of freedom and democracy and go out into the world. Although the road is difficult, Taiwan is not alone.”
crossing across the United States
The Taiwanese president first travels to New York on Wednesday, where she is expected to speak Thursday at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank. The meeting with McCarthy will only take place in Los Angeles after visiting Guatemala and Belize. She got there on 5 April on her way back. No official program has been announced yet.
It is not uncommon for a Taiwanese president to pass through the United States, even though the country is not recognized by Washington. There is a magnifying glass on the trip after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi traveled to Taipei and China responded with military maneuvers. The trip to Central America also comes at an important time. Honduras severed ties with Taiwan last week to re-engage with China.
See also. A clear signal to China: Thousands of American and Asian soldiers are conducting major military exercises in Thailand
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