In a quick-paced diplomatic move Lai Ching-te‚ Taiwanʼs President is set to make a fast-moving trip to several South Pacific nations. The Foreign Ministryʼs recent announcement shows his plans to visit three key allies in early-december (which includes stops in Tuvalu‚ Palau; and the Marshall Islands)
The week-long tour happens at an interesting time — when different countries want to get more influence in the Pacific region. China has been super-active there: giving money-loans to local governments building new projects and making security-deals with some island nations
Western countries dont like these developments: U.S‚ Australia and New-Zealand have shown their worries about Beijingʼs growing role in this ocean area. They think China wants to get more control of this region — through money politics and military agreements
The timing of Laiʼs visit shows how Taiwan keeps working to stay close with its remaining allies‚ as the geo-political game in this far-away part of world gets more complex