“We are not isolated”: Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen on Wednesday welcomed the presence of a large US Congressional delegation during her trip to California, a testament to Washington’s “steadfast” support for Beijing.
The 66-year-old leader met Republican Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, despite repeated threats of retaliation from China in recent weeks.
“In response to the grossly erroneous collusion between the United States and Taiwan, China will take decisive and effective measures to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. And Beijing quickly carried out its threats. Indeed, Taiwan has announced it has spotted three warships and a Chinese anti-submarine helicopter near the island as of “6 a.m.” this Thursday.
Beijing had already launched unprecedented military maneuvers around Taiwan last August when Democrat Nancy Pelosi, McCarthy’s predecessor, visited Taiwan. This time, China accused the United States of “playing with fire.”
Your cautious American side
McCarthy struck a cautious tone in this regard. He asserted that the relationship between Taipei and Washington is “stronger” than it has ever been “in his life.” The California elect was surrounded by a large group of House members, Republicans and Democrats at Ronald Reagan’s Presidential Library in Simi Valley near Los Angeles.
“Their presence and unwavering support reassures the Taiwanese people: we are not isolated, we are not alone,” applauded the Taiwanese president from a party traditionally pro-independence — an absolute red line for Beijing. China regards Taiwan as one of its provinces to be taken back and advocates “peaceful reunification” without excluding the use of force. In the name of the “One China” principle, no country should maintain official relations with both Beijing and Taipei at the same time.
Only 13 states still recognize Taiwan, including Belize and Guatemala, Latin American countries Tsai visited during his tour to cement ties with his rare official allies, first stopping in New York.
“Strategic Ambiguity”
But the United States has long maintained a “strategic ambiguity” on the Taiwan issue. Washington has recognized Beijing since 1979 but remains Taiwan’s strongest ally and main arms supplier. Support for the island is also one of the rare points of consensus between the two parties in the US Congress. Under Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan drew closer to the United States. A fact McCarthy recalled with great symbolism in front of an old version of Ronald Reagan’s presidential plane, Air Force One. However, the new speaker of the House of Representatives, who initially wanted to visit Taiwan, made no direct reference to China or its President Xi Jinping. What a contrast to Pelosi’s frontal posture when she held the position.
The Biden administration has also downplayed the importance of this meeting. On Wednesday, diplomatic chief Antony Blinken emphasized that the Taiwanese head of state was only “passing through” US territory and not an official visit. He urged Beijing not to use the interview as an “excuse” to “stoke up tensions.”