Taiwan's Pacific diplomacy sparks China's ire

President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan is set to embark on a seven-day tour of the Pacific, visiting the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Tuvalu, with transit stops in Hawaii and Guam.

Report informs via foreign media that this diplomatic endeavor has already drawn sharp criticism from China.

Beijing has swiftly condemned President Lai's trip, calling it a provocation aimed at bolstering Taiwan's independence.

"Using visits to so-called diplomatic allies for political manipulation will never succeed," warned Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Local media reports suggest that the Chinese military has cautioned about possible countermeasures, including conducting military exercises around Taiwan.

President Lai's itinerary includes stops at key US military bases in the region. Hawaii is home to the US Indo-Pacific Command, while Guam hosts strategic US Air Force and Navy facilities. Although details of his schedule in these territories remain undisclosed, it is speculated that he may meet with military officials and local leaders.

This trip also aims to strengthen Taiwan's ties with Pacific nations that remain its diplomatic allies. President Lai seeks to demonstrate Taipei's commitment to garnering international support in the face of strained relations with Beijing.