Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te raised concerns about China’s military threats toward Taiwan during a 20-minute phone call with former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday, December 1. The conversation, described as “warm and amicable” by Taiwan’s presidential spokeswoman Karen Kuo, was part of Lai’s Pacific tour, which has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing.
Pelosi, a long-time supporter of Taiwan, became a target of Beijing’s ire after her controversial 2022 visit to Taipei, which prompted China to respond with large-scale military drills encircling the island. Her unwavering support for Taiwan independence and democracy resonated during the discussion with Lai.
Kuo revealed that the two leaders touched on not just China’s escalating military presence but also critical topics such as artificial intelligence and Taiwan’s robust semiconductor industry. Pelosi’s steadfast advocacy for Taiwan underscores a deep bond between U.S. political leaders and the island’s democratic government.
China views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory, rejecting any form of international recognition of the island as a sovereign state. Beijing has consistently bristled at high-level engagements between Taiwan and the United States, Taiwan’s most significant ally and arms supplier.
Beijing’s opposition to Lai’s trip and his U.S. stopovers has been particularly vehement. On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian demanded the U.S. “stop meddling with Taiwan” and cease “supporting Taiwan independence separatist forces.” Lin reiterated that China would respond with “strong and resolute countermeasures” to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Lai’s visit to Hawaii, his first stop during a weeklong tour, was met with traditional Hawaiian hospitality, complete with red carpets and garlands. The warm welcome also included meetings with state Governor Josh Green, U.S. Congress members, and officials from the American Institute in Taiwan, Washington’s de facto embassy.
In his public remarks in Hawaii, Lai stressed the importance of preventing conflict in the Taiwan Strait, warning that war would result in devastating consequences for all parties involved. “There are no winners in war,” Lai said, urging for continued efforts to maintain regional stability and peace.
The backdrop to Lai’s visit is marked by escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. On the eve of Lai’s departure, the U.S. approved a $385 million arms package for Taiwan, including spare parts for F-16 fighter jets, radar systems, and communication equipment. The arms sale further antagonized Beijing, which condemned the decision and accused the U.S. of “abetting separatist forces.”
China has also stepped up its military presence near Taiwan in recent months, with frequent deployments of warships and fighter jets around the island. Analysts see these maneuvers as Beijing’s attempts to intimidate Taipei and undermine U.S. support for Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
In a closed-door forum at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Lai reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its defenses and maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized the shared values of democracy and peace that bind Taiwan and the U.S., urging allies to work together in countering authoritarian threats.
“Taiwan’s democracy stands as a beacon of hope in the face of growing authoritarianism,” Lai said. He underscored Taiwan’s role as a critical player in the semiconductor industry, which has become a flashpoint in U.S.-China rivalry. The global importance of semiconductors has positioned Taiwan as a key ally for the U.S., particularly as Washington seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
After his Hawaii stop, Lai will visit the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau—three Pacific nations that remain among Taiwan’s 12 diplomatic allies. These visits aim to reinforce Taiwan’s limited international alliances, as Beijing continues its campaign to isolate Taipei diplomatically. Lai’s itinerary also includes a brief stop in Guam, a U.S. territory in the Pacific, highlighting the strategic significance of the region amid U.S.-China tensions.
Before departing from Taipei, Lai expressed his gratitude to the U.S. for facilitating his trip, calling it an opportunity to “expand cooperation and deepen partnerships with our allies based on democracy, peace, and prosperity.” Lai declared, “We are all Team Taiwan, and together, we can achieve our goals.”
China’s reaction to Lai’s trip has been swift and severe. Over the weekend, Beijing lodged formal protests with Washington and reiterated its commitment to suppressing any moves toward Taiwanese independence. Chinese state media echoed these sentiments, accusing Lai of provocations designed to challenge China’s sovereignty.
The Global Times, a state-backed newspaper, warned that any attempt by Taiwan to strengthen its international presence would be met with a firm response. “Lai Ching-te’s actions will not change the fact that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China,” the editorial declared.
While the U.S. remains Taiwan’s largest arms supplier and a vocal advocate for its democracy, Washington has long adhered to a policy of “strategic ambiguity.” This policy allows the U.S. to provide military support to Taiwan without explicitly committing to defending the island in the event of a Chinese invasion.
Under President Joe Biden’s administration, U.S.-Taiwan relations have grown closer, with increasing arms sales and visits by high-level officials. However, Beijing’s warnings have not deterred Washington’s support for Taiwan, signaling a delicate balance between standing by an ally and managing tensions with China.
Lai’s trip and its fallout underscore the geopolitical significance of Taiwan. As a global leader in semiconductor production and a beacon of democracy in Asia, Taiwan occupies a critical position in the power dynamics between the U.S. and China. The escalating tensions also highlight the fragility of peace in the Taiwan Strait, a region vital to global trade and security.
The Biden administration’s unwavering support for Taiwan, coupled with China’s aggressive posturing, risks exacerbating an already volatile situation. Analysts warn that missteps by either side could lead to unintended consequences, drawing the region closer to conflict.
