Foreign Ministry: China resolutely opposes secret visits by Taiwan's leadership to US

China has expressed strong opposition to the potential secret visit of Taiwan's leader, Lai Ching-te, to the United States, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressing the matter during a briefing, specifically referring to possible stops in Hawaii and Guam.

"Mao Ning emphasized that China resolutely opposes any form of official contact between the United States and Taiwan, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

She stressed that China is firmly against the Taiwan leadership visiting the US secretly, under any pretext or for any reason," the spokesperson said.

Beijing has called on Washington to honour its commitments made by US leaders and ceases official exchanges with the island. Mao Ning also urged the US to avoid sending mistaken signals to Taipei. She reminded that Washington should approach the Taiwan issue with "utmost caution."

Earlier, it was reported that Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te is set to visit the island’s three remaining diplomatic allies in the Pacific at the end of the month. However, the government has refrained from disclosing details about any transit stops in the United States.

Taiwanese presidents often use visits to allied nations as opportunities to make stopovers in the United States, Taiwan’s most significant international supporter and arms supplier. These stopovers frequently provoke anger in Beijing. Over the past two years, China has conducted military exercises around Taiwan twice, following similar stopovers by the island’s president or vice president.

During these US stopovers, Taiwanese leaders typically meet with supportive politicians and deliver speeches. Lai is expected to transit through Hawaii and possibly Guam, a US territory, during his Pacific trip.

When repeatedly questioned about the stopover plans during a press conference, Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Tien Chung-kwang, stated that arrangements were still being finalized and would be announced “at an appropriate time.” He emphasized that the plans would prioritize safety, dignity, convenience, and comfort.

Of the 12 nations maintaining formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, three are located in the Pacific: Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu. According to his office, Lai’s trip, beginning on November 30, will include visits to all three nations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev