Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen held a historic meeting in Simi Valley, California on Wednesday, reaffirming American support for her government and emphasizing the importance of continued arms sales and economic cooperation with Taiwan. The White House has taken pains to walk a delicate diplomatic line ahead of Tsai's visit, reiterating that the trip was perfectly routine and consistent with the U.S.'s policy toward Taiwan amid deteriorating relations between Beijing and Washington.
On Wednesday, the Chinese government blasted the meeting between Tsai and US lawmakers, calling it a "serious mistake". The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that China will take resolute and forceful measures" to defend its territorial integrity in response.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) met Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley amidst hundreds gathered to support or protest against this encounter. This meeting has drawn condemnation from Chinese officials who consider Taiwan as an integral part of their territory under Beijing's control.
McCarthy invoked former president Ronald Reagan during his speech while expressing his belief in democracy along with peace & freedom; whereas Ms.Ts'ai emphasized her commitment towards maintaining status quo by upholding friendly relationship between both nations despite threats from mainland China.
The United States maintains unofficial ties after switching official recognition decades ago but recent events suggest stronger alignment due increased military tensions involving cross-strait rivals namely People’s Republic Of China(PRC).
Ts'ai visited Central America prior where she met allies promoting democratic values besides prosperity which experts believe indicates shift focus upon forging alliances amongst Western democracies since becoming leader back 2016 given growing pressure exerted via PRC globally thus impacting regional stability adversely if left unchecked/addressed accordingly hence making strategic partnerships vital safeguarding shared interests therein moving forward together unitedly whilst respecting each other sovereignty equally importantly regardless geopolitical challenges faced now or future times ahead.
However, China's response to the historic meeting has been relatively restrained. Although they warned of a "resolute response," only isolated military exercises were observed on Tuesday, with 14 Chinese warplanes and three warships spotted near Taiwan. On Thursday, China’s second aircraft carrier, the Shandong was seen 200 nautical miles (370 km) off Taiwan's east coast.
Tsai Ing-wen chose to meet McCarthy in the U.S., rather than Taipei, which is considered less provocative and requires a milder reaction from Beijing as presidential elections approach in January when managing relations with mainland will be at forefront during campaigns