In a strong statement, China’s foreign ministry expressed its condemnation for the recent visit of Taiwan Vice President William Lai to the United States. They labeled Lai as a separatist and a “troublemaker through and through.” China affirmed its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and threatened to take assertive actions in response.

Lai, who is considered a front-runner for Taiwan’s next presidential elections, had traveled to New York en route to Paraguay for its president’s inauguration. However, China has been relentless in denouncing Lai’s visit and has criticized his planned stopover in San Francisco on his way back to Taipei.

China considers Taiwan as part of its own territory, even though it is governed democratically. They perceive Lai’s trip as a form of support for Taiwan independence, which they vehemently oppose.

The foreign ministry’s statement referred to Lai’s adherence to the separatist position of Taiwan independence and emphasized Taiwan’s significance as a core interest for China. They blamed the rise in tensions in the Taiwan Strait on Taiwan’s attempts to seek independence with the support of the United States.

The statement concluded by reaffirming China’s close monitoring of the situation and its determination to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The visit of Taiwan Vice President William Lai to the United States has been described as “low key” by sources familiar with the trip’s planning. Lai is expected to join receptions with overseas Taiwanese in New York, where he will deliver a speech. However, he will not be meeting U.S. lawmakers, a decision in line with the shared position of Taipei and Washington to manage risks in dealing with an authoritarian region during this sensitive time.

Lai expressed his excitement about the visit on social media, stating that he was looking forward to seeing friends and participating in transit programs in New York.

Lai is also scheduled to meet Laura Rosenberger, chair of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), during his stopover in San Francisco. This meeting reinforces the unofficial relations between the United States and Taiwan.

Taiwanese officials are concerned that China may exploit Lai’s visit to the United States by launching military drills near Taiwan, intimidating voters ahead of next year’s elections and creating a sense of fear among the population.

Furthermore, the Eastern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army released a video of fighter jets engaged in high-intensity flight training, showcasing its military capabilities in the region.

Lai’s visit to the United States coincides with efforts by China and the U.S. to improve their relationship. This includes a potential visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the U.S., which could pave the way for a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this year.

China has significantly increased its military activities around Taiwan in recent years, aiming to exert pressure on the island to accept its sovereignty. In April, China conducted war games near Taiwan as a response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and her visit to Central America.