By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-10-07 12:28:45 | Updated at 2024-10-07 14:28:33
2 hours ago
Former Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen will leave on a trip to the Czech Republic and two other European countries this week as part of an eight-day visit to reinforce the island’s ties with Europe, despite likely objections from Beijing.
Tsai will depart on Saturday for her first overseas trip since leaving office. The visit was confirmed by her successor, William Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing sees as an “stubborn separatist” raising the risk of conflict to the Taiwan Strait.
Lai and Tsai met on Sunday for about an hour to discuss the trip and the political climate, according to Lai’s office.
On Monday, Lai’s office said he had instructed Taiwan’s National Security Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to “carefully plan the visit and provide necessary help regarding safety and other related matters” for Tsai.
Lai said he hoped Tsai’s trip would further fortify Taiwan’s friendships and relations with European countries, and stressed that Tsai “is the best representative for Taiwan to voice its position on the global stage”, according to the office.
Tsai, who stepped down in May after serving two terms, has not discussed the details of the trip, and her office said an announcement would be made once the travel plans were confirmed.
