Former UK Prime Minister, Liz Truss, has announced her plans to visit Taiwan next week. During her visit, she is expected to meet with top officials and deliver a speech. This move is likely to anger China, which has repeatedly expressed its opposition to such visits by current and former officials.
In a statement on Tuesday, Truss commented on her upcoming trip and took a jab at Beijing, which considers Taiwan to be part of its sovereign territory. She praised Taiwan as a “beacon of freedom and democracy” and said she looks forward to showing solidarity with the Taiwanese people in person. Truss also criticized China’s aggressive behaviour and rhetoric towards Taiwan.
Truss resigned as prime minister last year after just 45 days in office, making her the shortest-serving prime minister in UK history. However, since leaving office, she has become an increasingly vocal critic of China, delivering several speeches in recent weeks that heavily emphasize Beijing’s actions.
Although Truss is no longer a member of the UK government, a government spokesperson commented on her travel plans, stating that they “wouldn’t get involved in the independent travel decisions of a private citizen.” The spokesperson also clarified that the UK has no diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but it maintains an “unofficial relationship” based on shared democratic values.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Truss’ travel plans and said she would visit the island between May 16 and 20. During her visit, she will tour cultural and economic facilities, give a speech, and interact with people from all walks of life. The speech, titled “Taiwan: on the frontline of freedom and democracy,” will be delivered at an event organized by the Prospect Foundation, a local think tank headed by Taiwan’s ex-foreign minister.
China has yet to comment on Truss’ upcoming visit, but it has frequently denounced such trips to Taiwan, insisting that nations should not keep direct diplomatic relations with the island. Last year, a visit by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi triggered a harsh reaction from China, which launched massive military drills in the airspace and waters around Taiwan, including an exercise simulating a full blockade.
Truss’ visit to Taiwan highlights the increasing tension between the UK and China. As China continues to assert its dominance in the region, countries such as the UK are becoming more vocal in their opposition to Beijing’s actions. Truss’ visit also demonstrates the UK’s commitment to supporting Taiwan’s democracy and promoting freedom in the region.
