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US-China relations
ChinaDiplomacy

Biden democracy summit invitation to Taiwan ‘risks crisis in China-US ties’

  • Taipei says it wants to attend the gathering in December, saying it shares values with the United States
  • Researcher warns that consequences would be unprecedented

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Beijing has been wary of warming ties between Washington and Taipei. Photo: Reuters
Laura Zhouin Beijing
China and the US could face their most serious diplomatic crisis in decades if the White House invites Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to a democracy summit in December, mainland Chinese observers warn.
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The White House announced on Wednesday that US President Joe Biden would host dozens of elected world leaders for a virtual “Summit for Democracy”, a move widely seen as an attempt to counter Beijing’s influence.

The foreign ministry in Taipei said on Thursday it aimed to attend the summit, saying Taiwan would strive to defend democracy and human rights with the US and other like-minded countries.

“The theme of the summit includes defending against authoritarianism, fighting corruption and promoting human rights, which are the values shared by Taiwan and the United States,” Regine Chen, deputy director of North American affairs at Taiwan’s foreign ministry, said in Taipei.

“We are working hard to coordinate with the Biden government to secure a place at the summit.”

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‘Our commitment to Taiwan is rock solid’, US says about mainland China’s intimidation in the region

‘Our commitment to Taiwan is rock solid’, US says about mainland China’s intimidation in the region

Beijing sees Taiwan as a breakaway province to be taken back under its control, by force, if necessary, and has been wary of warming ties between Taipei and Washington.

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