China has reacted sharply to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s plans to briefly visit the U.S. while traveling through the Pacific. Beijing has demanded that the Biden administration deny Lai entry, claiming the trip undermines the one-China policy and encourages separatist activities.
Lai’s tour includes stops in Tuvalu, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, nations that recognize Taiwan diplomatically. China has accused Lai of leveraging these visits to push Taiwan’s independence agenda, which it sees as a direct challenge to its sovereignty.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, described the trip as “seeking independence by relying on [forces from] the outside.” Chen warned that allowing Lai’s travel would “send the wrong signals” to pro-independence factions in Taiwan.
Since 1949, Taiwan has operated as a self-governing democracy, but Beijing considers it part of its territory. China has escalated its military activities around Taiwan, and reports indicate it may conduct further drills following Lai’s return from his trip.
The U.S. now faces a delicate decision. Permitting Lai’s travel could further strain U.S.-China relations, while denying it risks alienating Taiwan and undermining American support for the island’s democracy.
Lai’s journey underscores the growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the challenges Taiwan faces in maintaining its international alliances against Beijing’s mounting pressure.
