Tensions grow in Taiwan as China slams visit to US by vice president

In a move that further escalates tensions, China has denounced Taiwan’s vice president, William Lai, as a “troublemaker” due to his ongoing visit to the United States. Lai, a leading candidate in Taiwan’s impending presidential election, made a strategic stop in the US while en route to Paraguay. The Beijing government, which vehemently asserts its territorial claim over Taiwan, has been increasingly vocal in expressing its disapproval of high-level interactions between US and Taiwanese officials. The latest verbal attack from China on Sunday accused Washington of covertly involving Taiwan in political manoeuvres while ostensibly conducting stopovers. Lai, a member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), was notably present in New York over the weekend, where he passionately addressed an informal gathering. Taiwanese VP Lai was branded a ‘troublemaker’ by China (Image: Getty) He articulated his commitment to shielding Taiwan’s sovereignty against the encroachment of “authoritarianism”. Lai’s agenda also includes a scheduled stop in San Francisco on his way back to Taiwan later this week. The visit by the 63-year-old former medical professional, who has previously positioned himself as a “pragmatic advocate for Taiwanese independence”, arrives at a critical juncture in the intricate dance of US-China relations. Notably, Taiwan has emerged as a linchpin issue, amplifying existing tensions between the two global powerhouses.