The U.S. Presidential Inauguration is a big global event, watched closely not only by Americans but the world over.Naturally, most nations always send government leaders and representatives to attend the ceremonies and celebrations in solidarity with the U.S. China, used to its dictatorial ways, however is not just concerned about its own attendance, but is sending a rather stern warning, or order, to the U.S. not to accept the delegation from Taiwan.
China, through its Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, has asked the U.S. on Wednesday to prevent the Taiwanese delegation from attending President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Friday, January 20. China's wishes were relayed to the Trump transition team and to the outgoing administration of President Barack Obama.
China also urged the U.S. to avoid any forms of official exchange with Taiwan. Asia's superpower also hit Taiwan for its efforts to "undermine" U.S.-China relations.
Problem for China is that their cries now may be too late as Taiwan is already all set with its delegation. In fact, its delegates are most likely in the U.S. by now as they departed Taiwan on Monday to go to Washington. Former Premier Yu Shyi-kun led the delegation composed of politicians from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the opposition nationalists. The delegation is also eyeing meetings with politicians, academics, and overseas Chinese community representatives for their U.S. trip.
China and Taiwan continue to engage in bitter conflict as Taiwan asserts its independence while China insists that Taiwan is part of their territory. China and Trump had tense exchanges as well in the recent months, emanating from Trump's accepting the congratulatory call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. Trump also took the effort to underscore the vibrant relations of the U.S. with Taiwan especially in economic and trade matters, emphasizing its highly profitable arms sales to Taiwan. China, for its part, keeps harping on the "One China policy" it has forged with the U.S. nearly four decades ago.
Trump said in an interview last week that the U.S. approach to the " One China policy" was open for negotiations. He also earlier questioned why the U.S. should feel bound by such a policy when China won't even offer incentives for the U.S. to stick by the old agreement.
Tsai also made a transit stop to the U.S. early this month on her way to diplomatic trips to several Central American countries. The Taiwanese President met with a few key Republican lawmakers and other officials.
