US lawmakers approve Taiwan trade deal despite Chinese ire

US lawmakers pass an agreement to deepen economic relations with Taiwan, sparking a displeased response from Beijing.

Taiwan, US to sign trade deal in Washington amidst growing pressure from China

The United States and Taiwan are set to sign a trade deal, sparking tensions with Beijing. The agreement aims to streamline customs, enhance regulatory procedures, and strengthen anticorruption measures. China strongly opposes any diplomatic relations involving Taiwan, which it considers its territory. Beijing’s military drills and aggressive rhetoric towards Taiwan have escalated in recent years. Bipartisan support for Taiwan exists in the United States, with politicians from both parties publicly engaging with Taiwanese officials.

Taiwan president vows to keep ‘status quo’ on cross-strait relations

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen reassured the nation that war is not an option in response to China’s increasing military pressure. She emphasized Taiwan’s determination to defend itself while maintaining calm and rationality. As Taiwan prepares for the next presidential election, the Democratic Progressive Party’s candidate, Vice President William Lai, advocates for independence, while the opposition party’s candidate, Mayor Hou Yu-ih, stresses the importance of dialogue and stability in the region. Beijing has warned against any move towards independence by Taiwan, threatening military action.

Guatemala leader vows to stand by ‘solid’ ally Taiwan

Guatemala’s President Alejandro Giammattei has pledged support for Taiwan during his visit to the island, which is one of the few countries that still recognises Taiwan as an independent nation. The move has drawn criticism from China, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory. Beijing has been trying to isolate Taiwan on the international stage and has convinced several countries to switch recognition from Taipei to Beijing.

Guatemalan president arrives in Taiwan for visit slammed by China

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei arrived in Taiwan on Monday to strengthen diplomatic ties, drawing criticism from China. During his visit, Giammattei is scheduled to address Taiwan’s congress, visit a technology company, and attend an event promoting Guatemalan coffee. Beijing warned Giammattei’s government “not to help evildoers” and go against the global trend, while Taiwan’s foreign ministry condemned Beijing’s “extremely disrespectful remarks.”

Taiwan president says US bipartisan support shows island “not isolated”

Speaking to reporters after talks with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said the welcome from a large delegation of politicians from both sides of the aisle was proof Taipei had friends in the international community. “Their presence and unwavering support reassure the people of Taiwan that we are not isolated and we are not alone.”

US House speaker meets Taiwan president despite Beijing’s threats

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen in California, prompting outrage from China. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory and opposes any official contact between Taipei and other countries. McCarthy’s meeting with Tsai, a compromise to underscore support for Taiwan without inflaming tensions with China, comes after Pelosi’s visit last year. China has responded with threats and rhetoric, and its response may be shaped by McCarthy’s public statements after the meeting. China’s consulate in Los Angeles condemned the meeting, stating it would hurt Chinese national feelings and undermine China-US relations.

Taiwan president makes tour stop in Belize after Honduras setback

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in Belize to strengthen relations, following Honduras switching ties to Beijing. Tsai was welcomed with military honours and is expected to meet with Prime Minister John Briceno to reaffirm bilateral ties. Guatemala, which Tsai visited before Belize, has vowed to maintain “recognition of the sovereignty” of Taiwan. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and does not allow other countries to recognize both Beijing and Taipei.

China vows to ‘fight back’ if Taiwan leader meets US speaker

China warns it will take “resolute measures” if Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen meets US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during her visit to the United States. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes official ties with both Taipei and Beijing. Tsai is visiting Guatemala and Belize to strengthen diplomatic alliances before stopping in California on her way back to Taiwan. The US has called for calm, with a senior administration official stating that the stopover does not represent a change in US policy towards China.

Taiwan president heads to US, Central America to shore up ties

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen is set to visit the US to strengthen ties with Guatemala and Belize after China took another of the island’s few diplomatic allies. Analysts suggest the trip comes at a critical moment, with Beijing increasing diplomatic, military, and economic pressure since Tsai took office in 2016, poaching nine of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies since then. The United States remains Taiwan’s most crucial international ally, and its most significant arms supplier, despite switching its own diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.