Taiwan leader's Pacific trip stirs up fresh talks between global powers
Chinese military sends strong message ahead of Taiwan presidents Pacific journey with US stopovers. Taiwan responds with defense preparations while maintaining its position on self-governance
The Chinese military sent a firm message bout Taiwan independence‚ as Lai Ching-te prepares for his first overseas journey since becoming Taiwanʼs leader last spring
Early morning yesterday Taiwanʼs air-force conducted a two-hour defense drill (starting 5am) with jets ships and missile systems taking part in the exercise; officials say its part of their regular quarterly training schedule
The timing is linked to Laiʼs upcoming Pacific-region tour which starts this weekend: heʼll visit three allied nations and make brief stops in Hawaii and Guam. Chinese defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian stated that US should avoid sending signals supporting Taiwan independence — the Chinese military is ready to “defeat all secessionist attempts“
Taiwan spotted two Chinese air-balloons floating north of Keelung port (around 60 and 88 nautical miles away) which adds to the list of recent monitoring activities. Regional experts think China might start military exercises near Taiwan using Laiʼs US transit as reasoning
The island-nation maintains diplomatic relations with just 12 countries worldwide‚ and Lai plans to visit three of them:
- Marshall Islands
- Tuvalu
- Palau
The Chinese Peopleʼs Liberation Army shoulders the sacred mission of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity
While China sees Taiwan as its territory Lai keeps saying that only Taiwanʼs people can choose their path forward‚ but Beijing wont accept his offers to talk
