Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te is set to embark on a diplomatic trip to the Pacific, including stops in the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. This will be his first overseas trip since taking office in May. Lai will also stop over in Hawaii and Guam, sparking fresh tensions with China, which has vehemently opposed any form of official international interaction with Taiwan.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has warned it will resolutely crush any efforts toward Taiwan independence, labeling Lai’s planned visits as separatist actions.
Lai’s trip comes as Taiwan faces increasing diplomatic isolation, with many countries switching recognition from Taiwan to China, which offers more economic aid.
Taiwan, however, maintains strong relations with the United States, its key security partner, even though the U.S. does not diplomatically recognize Taiwan. Past visits by Taiwanese officials to the U.S. have led to protests from Beijing, as seen in 2017 when Lai’s predecessor Tsai Ing-wen transited through Hawaii and Guam.
Tensions have intensified under Lai’s administration, with Beijing labeling him a separatist due to his strong defense of Taiwan’s sovereignty. The ongoing dispute traces back to 1949 when the Chinese civil war ended with the nationalist forces fleeing to Taiwan, where they established a separate government.
Although Taiwan operates as a sovereign state, it has never formally declared independence, constantly facing the threat of Chinese military action.
China’s military has increased its presence near Taiwan in recent years, seeking to pressure the island into accepting Beijing’s claims. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s semiconductor industry remains a critical aspect of its global influence.