As a Taiwanese Presidential Contender Visits U.S., He Tries to Walk a Fine Line
Vice President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan, a leading candidate in Taiwan’s presidential race, is set to visit the United States starting Saturday. Known for his outspoken criticism of Beijing, Lai aims to reassure voters and Washington that he will be a safe pair of hands if elected.
Lai’s visit to New York and San Francisco will be closely watched by Taiwan, Beijing, and Washington for clues on how he might handle crucial relations with the United States and China as president. It is also expected to prompt an escalation of Chinese military flights and naval maneuvers near Taiwan, highlighting the risks of potential conflict over its future.
“There’s actually been quite a high level of harassment of Taiwan by People’s Liberation Army planes this year,” said Shu Hsiao-huang, a researcher at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research. “The People’s Liberation Army would never let a major foreign policy event like this slip by.”
Lai, a former doctor who goes by the name William, has emerged as a prominent figure in Taiwan’s aspirations for sovereignty. However, as he vies to succeed President Tsai Ing-wen, he is seeking to present a more restrained persona to assure Taiwanese voters and Washington that he can be a steady leader.
During his visit, Lai plans to promote Taiwan’s global role and its efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. He has no plans for major speeches or meetings with prominent members of Congress, but will meet members of the Taiwanese-American community and give remarks at a dinner in New York.
Beijing regards Taiwan as Chinese territory and has increased military flights near the island in recent years. Lai’s visit is expected to provoke a show of military force from China, as it seeks to curtail Taiwan’s international contacts and opposes the Democratic Progressive Party’s stance on Taiwan’s separateness from China.
“Lai wants to reassure the United States and its allies,” said Lu Yeh-Chung, a professor of diplomacy at National Chengchi University in Taipei. “He wants everyone to know that he is not a troublemaker.”
Lai’s visit comes at a crucial time in Taiwan’s presidential race, with polls showing him in the lead. He is competing against Ko Wen-je, former mayor of Taipei, and Hou Yu-ih, the candidate for the Nationalists. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Taiwan’s relationship with China and the United States.As a Taiwanese Presidential Contender Visits U.S., He Tries to Walk a Fine Line
Vice President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan, a leading candidate in Taiwan’s presidential race, is set to visit the United States starting Saturday. Known for his outspoken criticism of Beijing, Lai aims to reassure voters and Washington that he will be a safe pair of hands if elected.
Lai’s visit to New York and San Francisco will be closely watched by Taiwan, Beijing, and Washington for clues on how he might handle crucial relations with the United States and China as president. It is also expected to prompt an escalation of Chinese military flights and naval maneuvers near Taiwan, highlighting the risks of potential conflict over its future.
Taiwan has experienced a high level of harassment by People’s Liberation Army planes this year, and the Chinese military is unlikely to let a major foreign policy event like Lai’s visit slip by unnoticed, according to Shu Hsiao-huang, a researcher at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research.
Lai, a former doctor who goes by the name William, has emerged as a prominent figure in Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, which advocates for Taiwan’s sovereignty. However, as he vies to succeed President Tsai Ing-wen, Lai is seeking to present a more restrained persona to assure Taiwanese voters and Washington that he can be a steady leader.
During his visit, Lai plans to promote Taiwan’s global role and its efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. He has no plans for major speeches or meetings with prominent members of Congress, but will meet members of the Taiwanese-American community and give remarks at a dinner in New York.
The United States severed formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 but allows its leaders to make transit visits. Lai’s travel plans reflect the more modest protocol that comes with being a vice president, but also align with his political goals of conveying stability and reliability.
However, Lai’s visit is likely to provoke a show of military force by China near Taiwan. Beijing has been trying to curtail Taiwan’s international contacts and has a strong aversion to the Democratic Progressive Party’s stance on Taiwan’s separateness from China.
Lai’s trip comes at a time of uncertainty and risk in Taiwan’s leadership transition. While he is currently leading in most polls, there is trepidation about the pending change in Taiwan’s leadership, according to Bonnie S. Glaser, an expert on Taiwan.
Overall, Lai’s visit to the United States will be closely watched for its implications on Taiwan’s relations with the United States and China, as well as the potential for increased tensions in the region.
In what ways does Lai’s visit to the United States impact Taiwan’s relationship with China and the United States, considering Lai’s leading position in the presidential race
Tary is unlikely to ignore Lai’s visit, according to Shu Hsiao-huang, a researcher at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research.
Lai, also known as William, has become a prominent figure in Taiwan’s push for sovereignty. However, as he runs for president, he is trying to present a more moderate image to assure Taiwanese voters and the US that he can be a steady leader.
During his visit, Lai plans to highlight Taiwan’s global role and its efforts to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific region. He will meet members of the Taiwanese-American community and give remarks at a dinner in New York, but has no plans for major speeches or meetings with prominent members of Congress.
China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has increased military flights near the island in recent years. Lai’s visit is expected to provoke a show of force from China, as it aims to limit Taiwan’s international contacts and opposes the stance of the Democratic Progressive Party on Taiwan’s separate identity from China.
“Lai wants to reassure the United States and its allies,” said Lu Yeh-Chung, a professor of diplomacy at National Chengchi University in Taipei. “He wants everyone to know that he is not a troublemaker.”
Lai’s visit comes at a crucial time in Taiwan’s presidential race, with polls showing him leading. He is competing against Ko Wen-je, the former mayor of Taipei, and Hou Yu-ih, the candidate for the Nationalists. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Taiwan’s relationship with China and the United States.
