TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Tsai Ing-wen is expected to meet with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during her transit through the United States, according to sources close to the matter.
The meeting could replace McCarthy's scheduled trip to Taiwan, reportedly causing concerns among Taiwanese and U.S. officials.
The Financial Times first reported that both sides are anxious that the visit could increase tensions across the Taiwan Strait, which have already been on the rise due to recent military posturing by China.
Meanwhile, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library invited Tsai to deliver a speech at the prestigious library in April. The invitation is being hailed as a significant diplomatic victory for Taiwan, which has struggled to gain recognition on the international stage due to China's campaign to isolate the island.
Taiwan has become an increasingly important ally for the United States in the Asia-Pacific region in recent years. The island nation's strategic location, democratic values, and vibrant economy have made it a valuable partner for the U.S. in countering Chinese influence in the region.
However, China continues to view Taiwan as a renegade province and has ramped up its military activities in the area in recent months. These actions have raised concerns among U.S. officials, who worry that the situation could escalate into a full-blown conflict.
Against this backdrop, Tsai's meeting with McCarthy takes on added significance. It is expected that the two leaders will discuss a range of issues, including Taiwan's security, economic cooperation, and the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
Despite the potential for tension, officials on both sides remain optimistic that the meeting will help to strengthen ties between Taiwan and the United States. It is hoped that the visit will send a strong message to China that the U.S. is committed to protecting its allies in the region and maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait.