China threatens to respond forcefully if Taiwanese leader plans to meet with Speaker of the US House of Commons | outside

Beijing considers this a provocation and a violation of China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting would “destroy peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” China opposes the talk and will “definitely take steps to respond decisively.”

Tsai said before leaving that Chinese pressure would not prevent her from going out into the wide world. “Taiwan will continue to walk the path of freedom and democracy with determination and go out into the world. Although the road is difficult, Taiwan is not alone.”

The Taiwanese president first travels to New York on Wednesday, where she is expected to speak Thursday at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank. The meeting with McCarthy will only take place in Los Angeles after visiting Guatemala and Belize. She got there on 5 April on her way back. No official program has been announced yet.

It is not uncommon for a Taiwanese president to pass through the United States, even though the country is not recognized by Washington. There is a magnifying glass on the trip after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi traveled to Taipei and China responded with military maneuvers. The trip to Central America also comes at an important time. Honduras severed ties with Taiwan last week to re-engage with China.