A U.S. congressional delegation arrived in Taiwan just days after China began military exercises around the island.
This week in Beijing 2 Day War Game,surround Taiwan After Taiwan’s new constitution came into effect, China sent warships and fighter jets as “punishment” for “acts of separatism.” President William Lai Ching Teh.
It also vowed to intensify countermeasures until “complete unification” was achieved.
The arrival of the US congressional delegation comes at a time of tension in relations between China and Taiwan and is likely to draw condemnation from Beijing.
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Why are tensions rising between Taiwan and China?
This week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin warned the US to “strictly adhere to the one-China principle” and “not arrange any visits to Taiwan for its parliament members.”
He added that there would be “consequences” for not following the instructions.
The bipartisan U.S. delegation is led by Michael McCaul of Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Trump, a known outspoken Republican, has made a number of tough statements about China in the past, including likening President Xi Jinping to Adolf Hitler during a visit to Taiwan last year.
China’s Central Television aired footage of planes taking off and naval exercises.
The visit is the latest in a series of high-profile Taiwan-focused meetings by American politicians, with the former speaker’s visit being the most controversial. Nancy Pelosi’s August 2022 visit to the island.
Taiwan’s government welcomed the visit as a valuable show of solidarity, but China has consistently threatened to retaliate against any US show of support, making it a complicated situation to respond to.
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It is unclear how tough a stance U.S. politicians will take this time, but their efforts will pose a test for Taiwan’s new president.
China has denounced Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-ming, as a “dangerous separatist who will bring war and decline to the island.”
His inaugural address hailed the move as a “glorious” era for democracy in Taiwan, infuriating the public.
But Lai said today he remained ready to cooperate with China and hoped the two countries would “jointly shoulder the important responsibility of regional stability”.
This may be an attempt to calm relations with Beijing, but many fear another US visit and intervention could provoke a strong backlash from Beijing.
The final training exercise has been designated 2024-A, with many speculating that a “B” is not far off.
