Taipei [Taiwan], August 13: Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te on Saturday began his 7-day trip to Paraguay, leaving Taipei for New York where he is to spend a day en route to Asuncion.
At Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Lai confirmed that he would attend the inauguration ceremony of new Paraguayan President Santiago Peña. Lai said his trip aims to not only strengthen relations between Taiwan and Paraguay but also promote more collaboration aimed at boosting prosperity. Paraguay is one of the 14 countries maintaining official diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Lai said he would seize opportunities to interact with representatives from other like-minded countries to show that Taiwan is a country firmly upholding democracy, freedom and human rights.
"We'd also like to let the international community know about efforts that Taiwan has made to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," Lai said.
On the social media platform X, Lai said on Saturday that he was "excited to meet with US friends in transit," without revealing details.
Lai's transiting in the US irritates Beijing. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Saturday started three-day-long military exercises in the East China Sea. Since mid-July, China had warned against Lai's planned US stopovers.
Washington has rejected the criticism, stressing that such stopovers are "routine" and should be absolutely no reason for China to take "provocative action." A 50-member Taiwanese delegation, headed by Lai, will leave New York for Paraguay on Monday.
On Wednesday, Lai will leave Asuncion for San Francisco, before returning to Taipei on Thursday.
Source: Qatar Tribune