Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's recent journey to three Pacific Island states, including stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, has sparked debates over its strategic intentions. Critics argue that these visits aim to heighten tensions in the Taiwan Strait and seek political leverage rather than fostering genuine diplomatic relations.
Experts point out that Lai's itinerary not only breaches the three China-U.S. joint communiques but also echoes his previous controversial stopovers in major U.S. cities like New York and Los Angeles last August. By opting for symbolic visits over direct engagement with actual destinations, Lai appears to prioritize strengthening ties with American politicians, thereby asserting Taiwan's international presence.
This strategy reflects the growing insecurity among “Taiwan independence” secessionists regarding U.S. support. With Donald Trump set to assume the U.S. presidency, uncertainties loom over Taiwan's security. Trump's critical stance on Taiwan's policies and his calls for "protection fees" further complicate the situation, leaving Taiwan's reliance on U.S. protection in question.
Analysts argue that for the Lai-led Democratic Progressive Party, depending on vague U.S. assurances is a flawed strategy. They contend that Taiwan is being used as a pawn by Washington in its broader geopolitical games against Beijing, without substantial guarantees of support. This perception undermines the credibility of U.S. commitments to Taiwan and raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of such alliances.
The attempt to 'sanctify' U.S. support is seen as unrealistic, with secessionists dragging allies into potential conflicts that may benefit their own agendas. This not only creates strategic dilemmas for the Taiwan region but also poses challenges for the U.S., which is increasingly focused on domestic issues amidst global economic and security challenges.
With the upcoming U.S. general election highlighting a shift towards prioritizing the economy and quality of life at home, there is a noticeable decline in public support for prolonged overseas interventions. This sentiment reflects a broader desire for domestic stability over entangling foreign affairs, making Lai's stopovers a contentious move in the current geopolitical landscape.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
