Beijiing - Amidst escalating tensions, Taiwan's Vice President, William Lai, is set to embark on a visit to the United States—a move that China has vehemently criticized. This upcoming visit has stirred concerns among Taiwanese officials regarding the potential for heightened Chinese military activities in close proximity to the island nation.

Lai, a prominent contender in Taiwan's forthcoming presidential elections, is officially en route to Paraguay to attend its president's inauguration. His travel itinerary involves transit through the United States.

While both Taipei and Washington emphasize that these transit stopovers are routine and not intended to provoke China, Beijing has expressed its discontent, viewing them as a display of continued US support for Taiwan—an area that China claims as its sovereign territory.

According to sources cited by Reuters news agency, Taiwanese officials anticipate increased military maneuvers by China in the vicinity of Taiwan in the upcoming week, seemingly intended to unsettle voters in the run-up to the impending elections and instill a sense of wariness.

China's reservations about Lai

China holds a distinct apprehension towards William Lai, who has previously identified himself as a "practical worker for Taiwan independence." Nevertheless, throughout his electoral campaign, Lai has consistently emphasized his commitment to maintaining the existing status quo. His journey is set to commence with a visit to New York before proceeding to Paraguay.

In a video shared on his social media platforms, Lai detailed his upcoming event in Paraguay and disclosed some of the gifts he plans to present, including a solar-powered GPS bike computer for Paraguay's new president, Santiago Pena.

Significance of the Paraguay Visit

The segment of Lai's trip involving Paraguay holds significance due to China's persistent efforts to erode Taiwan's diplomatic connections with other nations. Notably, China's successful persuasion of Honduras to shift allegiance from Taipei to Beijing served as a reminder of China's influence over countries that were once closely aligned with Taiwan.

Lai's visit to Honduras last year, during which he briefly interacted with US Vice President Kamala Harris, carries symbolic weight within the context of China's diplomatic maneuvers.

Uncertainties Surrounding Lai's US Itinerary

While specific details concerning Lai's schedule in the United States remain undisclosed by both Taiwan and the United States, the US State Department has confirmed Lai's scheduled meeting with the head of the American Institute in Taiwan. This institution, located in Virginia, operates as a US government-affiliated nonprofit organization responsible for unofficial relations with Taiwan. Lai's return journey from Paraguay will involve a stopover in San Francisco.