China Condemns Short Visit of Taiwan's Vice President to the United States

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the brief visit of William Lai, Taiwan's Vice President, to the United States on Sunday, August 13, stating he is a separatist and 'problematic,' and that 'Beijing will take firm steps to protect its sovereignty.' According to Reuters, William Lai, the leading candidate for Taiwan's upcoming presidential election in January, made a stop in the U.S. on his way to Paraguay for the inauguration of that country's president. Shortly after Lai's arrival in New York, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement opposing any travel by 'Taiwan independence separatists' to the United States. The statement noted, 'William Lai has firmly adhered to the separatist position of Taiwan independence and is always problematic.' The statement further emphasized, 'China is closely monitoring developments and will take decisive and serious actions to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.' China, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory, has strongly condemned Lai's visit. This trip will include another stop in San Francisco on his return to Taipei. Beijing claims that Taiwan is 'the core of China's interests' and has repeatedly shown that the reason for increased tensions in the Taiwan Strait is 'Taiwan's attempts for independence relying on the United States.' China essentially views Taiwan as one of its provinces and insists that it will eventually reclaim it by force if necessary. Therefore, Beijing opposes any diplomatic contact between this self-governing island and foreign countries and strongly condemns any meetings or discussions between Taipei and other governments. China expressed dissatisfaction with Washington over a military aid package to Taiwan. The U.S. is providing a $345 million military aid package to Taiwan. The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that naval maneuvers in the East and South China Seas increase tensions.