fredag 6. desember 2024

Taiwan president’s visit to Guam stokes fears of being targeted by China

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Guam to strengthen ties has raised residents' fears of the U.S. territory being further targeted in escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing. Lai is on his first overseas tour since being elected in May, choosing to visit three Pacific nations - Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau - that still maintain diplomatic relations with Taipei. He has also made a stopover in Hawaii.

China considers Taiwan a renegade province and responded angrily to news of Lai’s trip, condemning “any form of official interaction” or “U.S. connivance and support for ‘Taiwan independence’” last week. Washington does not formally recognize Taiwan’s government - despite being its staunchest international ally and arms supplier - and played down Lai’s “unofficial” visit.