China promised “firm and vigorous measures” on Sunday in the context of a visit to the United States by William Lai, vice president of Taiwan, an island territory claimed by Beijing, AFP reported.

“China is closely monitoring the development of the situation and will take decisive and resolute measures to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement.

China considers Taiwan one of its provinces, which it has not yet reunited with the rest of its territory since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, AFP noted.

“China strongly opposes any form of official contact between the United States and Taiwan, and strongly opposes Taiwan independence separatists moving to the United States,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

“The United States and Taiwan conspire to allow William Lai to carry out political activities in the United States under the pretext of transit,” which “seriously affects China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry emphasized.

Officially, according to Taiwan, William Lai is simply going to “transit” the United States – as Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen did in early April – before arriving in Paraguay to attend the inauguration of new President Santiago Peña.

Paraguay is one of the last countries to officially recognize Taiwan. On Sunday, William Lai posted a photo saying he had arrived in New York. (Agerpress)

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