US House Speaker's secret call with Taiwan leader triggers Chinese warning
A phone conversation between Taiwanʼs President and US House Speaker during Pacific journey caused immediate reaction from Beijing. Chinese officials quickly reminded about their position on Taiwanʼs status
During his Pacific region trip Lai Ching-te had a phone talk with US House Speaker Mike Johnson which happened sometime this wednesday (the presidential office didnt share many details about this conversation)
China quickly fired back: their stance about Taiwan remains firm. “The Taiwan issue is the core of Chinas core interests and the first red line that may not be crossed in Sino-US relations“ – this was the clear-cut message from Lin Jian who speaks for Chinas foreign ministry
The journey of Lai Ching-te included stop-overs in Hawaii and Guam (both US territories). While in Hawaii he also spent about 20-mins talking on phone with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi; they discussed military-related topics. Its worth noting that when Pelosi visited Taiwan about 2 years ago China started big military exercises near the island
Sources say Beijing might start new war-games because of Laiʼs current trip. The Chinese govt keeps saying Taiwan has no right to act like independent state – but Taiwan doesnt agree with this position
- Hawaii stopover included talks with officials
- Guam became second US territory visited
- Phone calls happened with current and ex-speakers
- Beijing warned about “forceful measures“
China keeps asking US to stop what they call “wrong signals“ to Taiwan. They say theyll protect their territory no matter what; meanwhile Taiwan continues its own path
