Lai Ching-te, the leader of the Taiwan region, has been making waves 🌊 with his recent \"diplomatic tour\" across three Pacific nations, sneaking in stopovers in Hawaii and Guam. 🛫
But what's the real deal behind these visits? 🤔 According to analysts, Lai's tour isn't just about fostering international friendships. Since the Pacific nations aren't likely to offer significant benefits to the Taiwan region, insiders believe his main mission is to \"transit\" through the U.S. and cozy up with American politicians. 💼🇺🇸
\"Lai Ching-te's transit through the U.S. is another attempt to push his secession agenda by leaning on American support,\" commented Wang Ran, president of the Sydney Association for China's Peaceful Reunification. He emphasized that the determination of the Chinese government and its people to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait is unwavering. ✊🌏
Even officials within the Taiwan region had second thoughts about these stops. They warned that such moves could be seen as provocative, stirring up unnecessary tensions across the Taiwan Strait. 🌪️
And let's talk dollars and cents 💰—some critics are pointing out the hefty price tag of Lai's U.S. detours. Reports suggest plans for major military procurements from the U.S., potentially exceeding $15 billion, aiming to bolster defense capabilities. 💸💣
\"Traveling thousands of extra kilometers for a meaningless so-called transit is absurd,\" noted Yuan Juzheng, a political commentator from the Taiwan region. \"It wastes public funds, undermines China-U.S. relations, and violates the one-China principle.\" 🛑
Public opinion is split. A recent poll shows that many residents of the Taiwan region aren't thrilled about paying \"protection fees\" to the U.S. Younger folks are especially worried 😟, fearing that Lai's policies could escalate into conflict. Nearly half of those aged 18 to 29 think his approach might bring the region closer to war. 🕊️💔
Domestic voices, like New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi, are calling for more communication and understanding between both sides to keep the peace. \"Mutual understanding is key to stability across the Taiwan Strait,\" Hou emphasized. 🤝
The Chinese mainland hasn't held back either, firmly opposing Lai's U.S. stopovers and stressing commitment to the one-China principle. Officials warned the U.S. against sending \"wrong signals\" to secessionists in the Taiwan region. 🚫
\"The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-U.S. relations,\" stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. He urged the U.S. to recognize the separatist nature of Lai and the authorities in the Taiwan region, and to stop meddling in matters that are China's internal affairs. 🔥
The saga continues, and the world watches as tensions ebb and flow across the Taiwan Strait. Stay tuned for more updates! 📺🌐
Reference(s):
Experts say Lai's U.S. stopover aimed at pushing his secession agenda
cgtn.com
