While the US has downplayed Tsai’s visit and dismissed concerns that the meeting will escalate matters with China, it is evident that China feels otherwise. It stands by its One China Policy and considers Taiwan an inalienable part of China’s territory, whereas the US continues to be Taiwan’s most important international backer hence further straining US-China relations.
On 5th April 2023, US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met Taiwan President Tsai Ing at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. This highly anticipated event also marks history as it is the first time a Taiwan President visited the US to meet the US House Speaker. The visit provided a platform for both leaders to promote US-Taiwan relations.
“The friendship between the people of Taiwan and America is a matter of profound importance to the free world. It is critical to maintain economic freedom, peace and regional stability,” McCarthy said.
“We’re stronger when we are together,” Tsai said. “In our efforts to protect our way of life, Taiwan is grateful to have the United States by our side.”
McCarthy emphasized the following crucial aspects; to further cement the relationship between the two parties. First and foremost, continue selling Taiwan guns and make sure they do it effectively. The second goal is to improve economic collaboration, particularly in business and technology. And finally, promote shared values on the world stage.
Contrary to this, US and China relations have only intensified since last year, with the Taiwan issue being a central conflict of interest. Before the meeting, the Consulate of China in Los Angeles warned the US that such a meeting would not be “conducive to regional peace, security and stability” and it would “undermine the political foundation” of China-US relations.
The meeting also prompted an angry reaction from Beijing, as a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said, “China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it.” China stands by its decision on resolute measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Several local Chinese American groups gathered in Los Angeles to promote the peaceful reunification of China. They waved Chinese and US flags, chanted slogans like “one China” and “oppose ‘Taiwan independence,” and held signs saying “There is only one China in the world.”
Furthermore, The Shandong, the country’s first homegrown aircraft carrier, entered the Pacific on Wednesday by passing through the Bashi Channel south of Taiwan. Although Beijing has not yet made an official statement regarding this development, it sends a clear message that it is not backing down and is ready to use all available means to exert control over Taiwan.
Ko Cheng-heng, deputy head of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, expressed concern over China’s plan to inspect ships in the Taiwan Strait and has also stated that if such movements were to continue by China, then the shipping operators will immediately notify Taiwan’s guard coast for assistance.
While the US has downplayed Tsai’s visit and dismissed concerns that the meeting will escalate matters with China, it is evident that China feels otherwise. It stands by its One China Policy and considers Taiwan an inalienable part of China’s territory, whereas the US continues to be Taiwan’s most important international backer and weapons supplier hence thus further straining US-China relations.
