Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is set to visit the United Kingdom this week as part of her European tour, following stops in Lithuania and Denmark. Invited by British lawmakers, Tsai aims to strengthen ties between the UK and Taiwan, despite the absence of official diplomatic relations between the two nations. The visit is considered diplomatically sensitive, as it occurs amid ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing viewing such engagements as challenges to its sovereignty claims over Taiwan.

Tsai’s itinerary in the UK includes meetings with British politicians, although specific details have not been disclosed. Her visit underscores the UK’s efforts to balance its relationship with China while supporting democratic partners like Taiwan. In 2023, Taiwan and the UK signed an Enhanced Trade Partnership, and the UK has assisted Taiwan’s indigenous submarine program, highlighting growing bilateral cooperation.

Previously, Tsai had planned to visit the UK in October 2024, but the trip was postponed due to a concurrent visit by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to China. The UK Foreign Office had requested the delay to avoid diplomatic tensions with Beijing.

China has consistently condemned Tsai as a separatist and opposes any official interactions between Taiwan and countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. Taiwan, however, continues to seek international support and engagement to bolster its democratic standing and resist Beijing’s pressure.

Source: Reuters