Taipei’s relationship with Washington “has never been so close,” Taiwan President Tsai Ingwen said after arriving in New York City on Wednesday between China and the United States.
In New York, Tsai makes the first of two scheduled stops on American territory, then embarks on an official visit to Central America.
“We know that we are stronger when we unite with other democracies in solidarity. Taiwan cannot be isolated, and we do not take friendship for granted,” Tsai said.
The Taiwanese leader’s visit comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China and was condemned by Beijing which considers democratic Taiwan part of its territory although it has never controlled it.
According to China’s chargé d’affaires Xu Xueyuan, the trip could lead to a “serious confrontation” between the two powers and have “serious repercussions” on their relations.
“What the United States has done seriously undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Xu said Wednesday, adding that the United States must face “all the consequences.”
Tsai is rumored to be meeting with Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy during one of his unofficial stops in the United States. Beijing has vowed to “resolutely fight” against that possibility, while Taiwan has not confirmed the meeting or shared details of Tsai’s itinerary.
However, such a meeting on US soil is seen as less provocative than a visit to Taiwan by a senior US lawmaker.
Following a visit to Taipei by thenUS House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Beijing held extensive military drills around the island last August that lasted more than a week. She was the highestranking US official to visit Taiwan in 25 years, and her trip prompted Beijing to accuse Washington of changing the nature of its relationship with the island.
US officials deny the claim.
The United States is required by law to sell selfdefense weapons to Taiwan, although it severed formal diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979 when it recognized the government in Beijing. Due to the unofficial relationship, Tsai’s visit is not referred to as a “state,” in keeping with the longrunning “One China” narrative. Technically, this means that Washington recognizes that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory, but has never recognized that specific claim.
Tensions between China and the United States over the future of the democratic island have increased in recent years. Beijing has vowed to take the island by force if necessary, and under leader Xi Jinping has increased military, diplomatic and economic pressure on the democratic territory, including persuading Taipei’s allies to change allegiance.