Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-says-chinas-threats-over-presidents-us-visit-are-counterproductive-2024-12-04/
Taiwans president, Lai Ching-te, visited Hawaii and a few countries within the Pacific. He made only a few stopovers, and when in Hawaii he gave speeches, met the governor, and visited a WWII monument. China may also stage more military maneuvers and war games around Taiwan in response to Ching-te’s visit to the United States. Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng has stated that “the Chinese communists threaten Taiwan with military hegemony, which I think is something our citizens do not agree with,” he said. “This will only cause cross-strait relations to drift further and further away, and which will not be helpful to ties in the future.” Lai and the government reject Beijing’s claims on sovereignty over Taiwan. China calls Lai a “Separatist” and has conducted two rounds of war games around Taiwan after Lai became president. China claims that Taiwan is pushing China into this predicament and they are bringing Chinas actions upon themselves.
China is attempting to tighten its grasp on Taiwan and its political actions and visits. Lai’s visit to the United States deeply upset the Chinese who may rehearse more war games to test U.S policy, as a new president takes office, as the U.S is the primary backer of Taiwan. Taiwan seems to rely on the U.S to backup their independence from the ever looming Chinese and their military. Any Taiwanese attempt to gain support or boost relations with countries has led China to step up its political, economical, and military action against the country. Taiwan and its citizens seem to have much courage against the Chinese and their claims to Taiwan as its own.
Taiwan has seen these actions from China before, and is not fazed by them. Lai Ching-te is still confident in his trip to the United States, and is confident in their support. After the American 2024 election, and the change of parties in office, the incoming president must have a set plan and policy to deal with China and Taiwan. This issue is very pressing for America and is at the forefront of national policy. China is evidently very upset with the Taiwanese presidents visit and may perform more military action near Taiwan for intimidation.
Taiwan, a rather small country, has recently been in the news as it is one of the movers and shakers of current politics in the world. The role it plays in U.S and Chinese relations is a significant one. Its political bearing and choices directly impact the unipolar system in place within the world today. Chinas revisionist style of power and politics are shaking the current world system. Its aggressive use of its military, and its complete belief that Taiwan is its subject, has caused it to isolate itself from other countries.