The Chinese foreign ministry has condemned a meeting between Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-Wen and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles, describing it as “acts of collusion.”
Beijing has vowed to defend its sovereignty, as it considers Taiwan a breakaway province, and has not ruled out taking Taiwan by force. However, the United States abides by the “one-China” policy, and it does not endorse China’s claim to the self-ruled island.
The meeting marks the first time a Taiwanese leader had ever met a house speaker on American soil since both governments severed diplomatic ties in 1979.
Following the meeting, Beijing has sent warships into the waters around Taiwan, but the response has been relatively muted compared to the unprecedented drills China launched after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan last August.
Experts believe that the lack of a fiery response could be a sign of China switching tactics. Chinese President Xi Jinping has been trying to project a statesman-like image and convey a respectable China on the world’s stage, especially after some recent diplomatic wins.
Meanwhile, a U.S. delegation led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCauk arrived in Taipei on Thursday to discuss regional security and the threat of China.
It remains to be seen whether this visit will fuel tensions further. Pelosi’s visit was perceived as an uninvited U.S. official entering Chinese territory, which is not the case this time.
However, China has issued strong statements both before and after the Tsai meeting, and Xi wants to remain strong at home. He cannot be seen as letting Taiwan go around diplomatic hobnobbing with the likes of the U.S., especially when tensions with Washington are at an all-time high.
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