Jordan Daily – China on Sunday expressed anger over Taiwanese Vice President William Lai’s brief visit to the US — a stopover on his way to Paraguay to attend a presidential inauguration.
“China is closely following the development of the situation and will take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” a Foreign Ministry statement read.
Beijing labeled Lai — a Harvard-educated doctor who has previously stressed Taiwan’s independence — a separatist and a “troublemaker.”
“Lai stubbornly adheres to the separatist position of Taiwan independence and is a troublemaker through and through,” a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. It added that China is against any visits to the US by “Taiwan independence separatists.”
Lai, who is a frontrunner for the upcoming presidential elections set to take place in January 2024, has clarified during his campaign that he seeks to maintain the status quo and believes Taiwan’s future should be determined by its people.
Beijing has previously vowed to take control of Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory, using force if necessary.
Agencies
