Beijing has voiced strong opposition to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s planned visit to the U.S. during his Pacific tour, warning of potential military drills near Taiwan as retaliation. China has urged the Biden administration to prevent Lai from entering U.S. territory, accusing him of advancing separatist objectives.
Lai’s trip, which includes stops in Tuvalu, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, has drawn sharp criticism from China. Beijing views his efforts to strengthen Taiwan’s international ties as a threat to its claim over the self-governed island.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua accused Lai of seeking independence and warned that his travel sends “the wrong signals” to pro-independence movements. Beijing has consistently rejected Taiwan’s claims of sovereignty, despite its self-governing status since 1949.
Military drills could follow Lai’s return, according to reports, as China continues its efforts to intimidate Taiwan. These exercises are part of Beijing’s broader campaign to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and assert its control over the island.
The U.S., a key supporter of Taiwan’s democracy, now faces pressure to navigate this contentious situation carefully. Allowing Lai’s travel could heighten tensions with Beijing, while denying it risks signaling a retreat from American commitments to Taiwan.
This latest confrontation highlights the fragile balance in the Taiwan Strait, where Taiwan’s sovereignty remains a contentious issue in the face of China’s growing aggression.
