Chinese representatives were met with protests when they arrived in Taiwan on Saturday morning for a three-day visit, according to the Associated Press.
Shanghai Municipal Taiwan Secretary General Li Xiaodong was invited to Taiwan’s capital Taipei by the newly elected China-friendly Mayor Chiang Wan-an.
Dozens of protesters arrived at Songshan Airport to voice their opposition to China’s efforts to undermine Taiwan’s security, democracy and independent diplomatic ties, calling for Lee’s move to the autonomous island. I have indicated my disapproval of the visit.
Representatives of pro-China minority parties were also present to welcome officials. No arrival report was issued by Lee or his delegation.
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Li Xiaodong (C), an employee of the China-Taiwan Office in Shanghai, arrives at Songshan Airport in Taipei, February 18, 2023. (SAM YH/AFP via Getty Images)
Wang Xing-hwan, chairman of Taiwan’s National Building Party, told protesters that although Lee had the right to visit, Taiwan’s way of peace was to prepare for the possibility of war and not let China dare to invade us. It’s about making alliances with other democracies.” The Associated Press reported.
In September, Ambassador James J.K. Lee, Taiwan’s Attorney General, said he was “extremely concerned about the possibility of a future Chinese invasion of Taiwan.”
“China has not renounced the use of force against Taiwan,” Lee warned, calling on the world’s democracies to stand by their side.
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Pro-Taiwan independence activists display a banner during a protest before China’s Taiwan affairs official arrives in Taipei on February 18, 2023.
A pro-Taiwan independence activist holds up a placard during a protest before Chinese Taiwan Affairs officials arrive in Taipei on February 18, 2023. (SAM YH/AFP via Getty Images)
This visit will be a rare touch point between the two factions as they are at odds over how to continue their activities.
Although China considers Taiwan to be part of its own territory and believes it can be conquered by force if necessary, most Taiwanese maintain close economic and social ties with the mainland, Supports de facto independence.
Taiwan’s democratic system gives local governments broad freedom to act without a central government.
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Opposition Kuomintang Party (KMT) Taipei mayoral candidate Chiang Wan-An celebrates victory in local elections in Taipei, Taiwan, 26 November 2022. (Louise Delmot/Getty Images)
The city of Taipei recently elected Cheng Wan-an from the opposition KMT as mayor. He is descended from the Jiang family, who ruled China until the civil war forced him into exile in Taiwan in 1949.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
