Lai's Pacific Trip and China's Response

Taiwan's Vice President William Lai embarked on a week-long trip to the Pacific, starting with a stopover in Hawaii on Saturday. He will then visit the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, three of the 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Additionally, he will stop over in the US territory of Guam.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Lai's trip, reiterating President Xi Jinping's comments to US President Joe Biden at a recent Asia-Pacific summit. Xi stated that "separatist acts" were incompatible with peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, emphasized the importance of the United States recognizing the "independence nature" of Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan. She also urged the US to "handle the Taiwan issue with utmost caution, unequivocally oppose Taiwan independence, and support the peaceful reunification of China."

China opposes any form of "scurrying to the United States" by Taiwan's leaders and any US support for separatist activities. They remain unwavering in their determination to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity and oppose external interference in their internal affairs.

The US State Department spokesperson noted that every democratically elected Taiwan president has transited the United States. Former President Tsai Ing-wen made seven overseas trips with US transits, while her predecessor Ma Ying-jeou also transited several times, both via Hawaii twice.

As with past transits, Lai will be welcomed in Hawaii by Ingrid Larson, Washington office managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan, the body which serves as the unofficial US embassy in Taiwan.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung acknowledged the possibility of Chinese military exercises in response to Lai's trip. Lai and his government reject Beijing's sovereignty claims, asserting that only the island's people can decide their future.

Prior to his departure, Lai expressed his anticipation for visiting Taiwan's three Pacific allies on his first overseas visit since assuming office in May. He emphasized his commitment to deepening partnerships with other countries and "keeping Taiwan going out into the world.