by Staff Writers
The office of former president Tsai Ing-wen announced yesterday that it would refrain from commenting on a report from a US media outlet suggesting that she plans to visit the United States in the coming weeks after concluding her current travels in Europe.
Politico’s National Security Daily newsletter referenced two sources familiar with the situation, indicating that Tsai intends to visit the US “sometime after her current trip” to the EU.
Both the White House and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US declined to comment on the report.
Tsai’s office stated that any international trip by her would be announced at an appropriate time.
While it’s not unusual for former Taiwanese presidents to travel to the US—most recently, former president Ma Ying-jeou visited Harvard University last month—the timing of Tsai’s potential visit, whether before or after the US elections, could attract attention.
National Security Daily noted that if Tsai travels to the US before the presidential election on November 5, she “risks becoming a target for political posturing by GOP and Democratic lawmakers looking for photo opportunities to enhance their tough-on-China image.”
If her visit occurs after the election but before the inauguration, the incoming US president may want to meet with Tsai “to emphasize US support for Taiwan.”
Tsai began her trip on Saturday, visiting the Czech Republic, Belgium, and France, with her travels wrapping up later this week. This marks her first overseas journey since leaving office in May after two four-year terms.
On Monday, she spoke at the Forum 2000 Conference in Prague about Taiwan’s democratic experience and is expected to visit the European Parliament in Brussels to meet with assembly members.
Upon her arrival in Paris on Tuesday, Tsai stated that her visit aims to strengthen partnerships with France and reaffirm Taiwan’s commitment to shared values.
In a social media update, she shared a photo of herself at the Louvre Museum, announcing her arrival in the French capital. Tsai plans to meet with “good friends” in France to emphasize Taiwan’s dedication to democracy, freedom, and human rights, while also looking to enhance ties with France without detailing the specifics.
She is anticipated to meet with French senators who are part of a Taiwan friendship group in the French Senate.
Before her departure on Saturday, Tsai met with President William Lai, who referred to her as “deeply trusted” in the international community, making her “an ideal representative” for improving relations between Taiwan and Europe.
Last week, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Tsai, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party, as a “Taiwanese independence figure,” warning that any support or assistance from European countries to her could jeopardize their relations with China.
