Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te engaged in a series of phone calls with prominent U.S. congressional leaders during his stopover in Guam on Thursday, marking the second leg of his Pacific island tour.
According to a spokesperson for the presidential office, Lai spoke with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. He also held a video conference with Senator Roger Wicker, the leading Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee. These calls were confirmed by both Taiwan’s official Central News Agency and NOWnews,a leading Taiwanese online news outlet.
China, wich views Taiwan as a breakaway province, has consistently opposed any official interactions between Taiwan’s government and the United States. the U.S. remains taiwan’s primary supplier of military hardware and maintains naval and air force bases on Guam.
Lai arrived in guam on Wednesday evening following visits to Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu. his itinerary includes a final stop in Palau. During his time in Guam, he met with the governor and legislature, emphasizing the shared values and strategic importance of both Taiwan and Guam in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Let us together become the crucial force in defending freedom, democracy in the first island chain,”
Lai stated, referencing a chain of islands extending from Japan through Taiwan and parts of the Philippines. His remarks served as a stark contrast to China’s authoritarian one-party system, which asserts sovereignty over Taiwan and insists on eventual reunification.
In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China’s longstanding stance on U.S. interactions with Taiwan, stating that “the Taiwan issue is at the core of China’s core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations.”
“China will take strong measures to firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Lin declared when questioned about the reported call with House Speaker johnson.Voice of America previously reported on the call with Johnson, citing unnamed sources, but not the other two conversations.
Lai’s discussions with both Republican and Democratic leaders appear to underscore the bipartisan support for Taiwan within the U.S. Congress.
On Thursday, china’s Foreign Ministry announced sanctions against 13 American companies and six executives in retaliation for recent U.S.arms sales to Taiwan. The sanctioned individuals include the president and vice president of Raytheon’s Naval Power strategic business unit. The sanctions encompass a ban on entry into China,including Hong Kong and Macao.
“U.S. attempts to assist Taiwan independence by arming Taiwan will not shake our firm determination to oppose Taiwan independence and achieve national reunification, and it will only push Taiwan into a hazardous situation of military conflict,”
Lin asserted.
A resolution from Guam’s legislature expressing support for Taiwan is expected to be introduced soon.
Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, recently concluded a diplomatic tour of the Pacific, visiting the Marshall islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. During his trip, Wu emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening ties with these island nations and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
One notable stop on wu’s itinerary was guam, where he met with Speaker Therese Terlaje and other members of the Guam Legislature. “The legislature welcomed Lai and expressed thankfulness for Taiwan’s “significant contributions to Guam’s economy and community,” Terlaje said.
Wu highlighted several potential areas for collaboration, including aquaculture, hydroponic agriculture, construction projects, and alternative energy. He stressed Taiwan’s willingness to share its expertise and resources to support the advancement of these sectors in Guam and the broader Pacific region.
The three Pacific Island nations visited by wu are among the 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.This diplomatic recognition stands in contrast to the majority of the world, including the United States, which officially recognizes the Chinese government in Beijing.
Wu’s visit underscores Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to build and strengthen relationships with like-minded partners in the Pacific region. These partnerships are crucial for Taiwan’s diplomatic standing and its ability to contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: Expert Analyzes President Lai’s Guam Stopover
**World Today News Exclusive** - Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s Guam stopover has sent ripples through the Indo-Pacific region, with high-profile calls too U.S. congressional leaders raising eyebrows in Beijing. We spoke to Dr. Emily Chen, a leading expert on Taiwan-U.S.relations at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, to unpack the significance of these developments.
**World Today News:** Dr. Chen, President lai’s phone calls with Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries, and Senator Wicker mark a significant diplomatic engagement during his Pacific island tour. What message do these calls send to Beijing?
**Dr. Chen:** These calls undoubtedly signal a continuation of robust unofficial US-Taiwan relations, despite China’s repeated objections. By engaging with prominent figures in the U.S. Congress, President Lai is seeking to solidify Taiwan’s international standing and garner support for its democratic values. Beijing views any such interaction as a challenge to its “One-China” principle and will likely respond with condemnation and perhaps increased military pressure.
**World Today News:** China has characterized the Taiwan issue as a “core interest” and a “red line.” How might Beijing react to President Lai’s telephone diplomacy?
**Dr. Chen:** We can expect strong rhetoric from Beijing, accusing the US of meddling in its internal affairs. Beijing may also escalate military exercises near Taiwan or increase diplomatic pressure on countries that maintain ties with Taiwan. The PLA could conduct drills close to Taiwan’s maritime boundary, simulating a blockade or invasion scenario, as a show of force.
**World Today News:** While not officially meeting with U.S. government officials,President Lai has emphasized the shared values and strategic importance of Taiwan and Guam in the Indo-Pacific region. Can you elaborate on this significance in the context of regional security dynamics?
**Dr. Chen:** Guam is strategically vital for the U.S.military presence in the Pacific, serving as a forward operating base. Taiwan, situated just off the coast of mainland China, is considered a critical linchpin in efforts to contain China’s growing military assertiveness.
By highlighting these shared interests, President Lai is implicitly positioning Taiwan as a crucial partner in the US Indo-Pacific strategy, bolstering the argument for continued US support in the face of Chinese pressure.
**world Today News:** In his remarks, President Lai referenced the “first island chain.” Can you explain the significance of this strategic concept in the context of the evolving security landscape?
**Dr. Chen:** The “first island chain” refers to a chain of islands stretching from Japan down through Taiwan and parts of the Philippines.It acts as a natural barrier to China’s naval and air projection capabilities.
By invoking this concept, President Lai is signaling Taiwan’s importance in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, suggesting that Taiwan is a crucial bulwark against Chinese expansionism.
**World Today News:** As President Lai continues his tour, what key takeaways should we be watching for?
**Dr. Chen:** The next stop on Lai’s trip is Palau. Observe if similar calls to US officials are made, further solidifying the pattern of outreach. Also, pay attention to any retaliatory actions from China, such as increased military exercises near Taiwan. These actions will provide crucial insights into the evolving dynamics between the US, China, and Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific region.
