However that go to was overshadowed by Pacific nation Nauru abruptly announcing it was switching allegiance to Beijing, leaving Taipei with simply 12 remaining diplomatic allies.
Whereas america recognises Beijing over Taiwan, it’s a key associate of the island and a serious weapons supplier.
Chatting with President Tsai Ing-wen after assembly Lai, Diaz-Balart stated it was “a difficult time”.
“We see what’s coming … out of Beijing, and their stage of aggression each right here throughout the strait and throughout the area,” he stated.
“As democracies, as individuals who consider in freedom, it’s incumbent on us to handle these aggressions.”
“NEGATIVE WORDS AND DEEDS”
China has by no means renounced the usage of power to try to carry Taiwan underneath its management and has maintained a near-daily army presence across the island.
On Wednesday, 18 Chinese language warplanes, six naval vessels, and three Chinese language balloons have been detected round Taiwan, in keeping with Taipei’s defence ministry.
On the identical day, a US warship sailed southward by way of the Taiwan Strait, a delicate waterway separating the island from China, the US Navy stated in an announcement.
“(The USS John Finn’s) transit by way of the Taiwan Strait demonstrates america’ dedication to upholding freedom of navigation for all nations as a precept,” it stated.
“No member of the worldwide neighborhood must be intimidated or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms.”
In Beijing, the international ministry complained Thursday that Washington had “carried out a collection of unfavorable phrases and deeds” since Lai’s election.
Spokesman Wang Wenbin urged america to “instantly cease infringing and provocative actions” and “cease inflicting hassle for peace and stability throughout the Taiwan Strait”.