Taiwan urges China not to overreact to Lai’s foreign visit

Last Updated on November 29, 2024 10:28 am

Although China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, the breakaway province has been seeking independence since 1949. That demand has now grown with time. That is why Taiwan is seeking help from foreign countries. And to achieve that goal, the region’s leader William Lai Ching will embark on his first foreign trip on Saturday.

However, the problem is that whenever Taiwanese leaders have previously traveled abroad, China has reacted negatively. At the same time, China has been tough on foreign countries. However, Taiwan has already requested China to prevent that from happening this time.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung told lawmakers, “We call on Beijing to stop the long-standing practice (of Taiwanese leaders traveling abroad). To not pretend to overreact.” Because, if that happens, there is a risk of destabilizing cross-strait relations through military exercises.

There are rumors that William Lai will transit through the US territories of Hawaii and Guam when he starts his trip. Lai is scheduled to visit three Pacific allies of the island nation, including the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, during the trip. The trip will end on December 6. However, Taiwan has made this request in advance, assuming that China may react angrily to this trip.

This is a reason to worry, because Beijing has always reacted to the foreign trips of previous Taiwanese leaders. Moreover, tensions have continued across the Taiwan Strait recently. Because Beijing considers Lai a ‘dangerous separatist’.

There are other reasons. Because recently, Joe Biden approved the shipment of 17 weapons to Taiwan before leaving office. Including the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). The missile has a range of 300 kilometers.