In response to China’s dissatisfaction with President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) visit to diplomatic allies, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has said this is a normal visit that does not warrant an overstated reaction.
Members of the CCP and the Chinese government have expressed their unhappiness with President Lai’s first international trip and transit through Hawai’i. The MAC has responded that Taiwan is a sovereign country and the President’s visit to friends and allies is well in accordance with the customary practices of such a country.
The MAC pointed out that the president is exercising his rights as a political figure to visit countries with which Taiwan maintains diplomatic relations. The council further said that the CCP has no right to make irresponsible comments or remarks, including false claims that the international community unilaterally supports the “One-China principle,” saying that suppression of Taiwan’s international space with a zero-sum mentality would neither be accepted by the international community nor foster healthy cross-strait relations.
The MAC also stated that if China were to overreact to normal diplomatic visits, it would be China’s inappropriate behavior – not Taiwan’s – that would be responsible for undermining regional peace and stability. The council called on members of the CCP to treat President Lai’s visits rationally, and not take the opportunity to incite further tension in the region.