Taiwan’s vice president went on tour. After meeting with the new president of Honduras, Vice President William Lai stopped in San Francisco. While in the States, he held virtual meetings with House Speaker Pelosi and others. Taiwan’s envoy to North America was a big success.
Meanwhile back in Asia, China sent its own envoy of 39 warplanes into Taiwan’s airspace. That was probably just in case the people in North America doubted anything Lai said about China being dangerous. China wants everyone to know the truth, after all. But, the warplanes didn’t go over well in Taipei.
Taipei and Shanghai have had a sister city “bromance” going on—or “sismance” if we want to be genderly correct. But, the annual, multi-million dollar event is up for cancellation with China’s military incursions. Feuding DPP and KMT parties reached a near-impossible consensus about that. The two parties never get along. But, somehow China seems to be the great unifier between polarized political parties, whether in the United States or in Taiwan.
We can probably expect more unity like that in the future. It may not be the unity China is pushing for, but it will be unity nonetheless.
Indo-Pacific
China ‘flexes muscles’ at US, Japan // Taipei Times
Taiwan
Taipei may halt Shanghai forum over China threat // Taipei Times
Honduras thanks Taiwan as Lai visits // Taipei Times
Taiwan-Europe amity group launched // Taipei Times
Chinese ambassador warns of ‘military conflict’ with US over Taiwan // Yahoo News
William Lai talks with US senator before returning // Taipei Times
UK, US voice support for Taiwan at the WHO // Taipei Times
Lai, Pelosi talk security issues, China // Taipei Times