Chinese authorities have strongly criticized Taiwan Vice President William Lai's recent visit to the United States, labeling him a separatist and accusing him of causing trouble. Lai, who is expected to assume the presidency of Taiwan in January, arrived in New York on Saturday as part of a transit stop on his way to Paraguay. China, which considers Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly condemned Lai's trip. In a statement, the foreign ministry of China expressed opposition to any visit by "Taiwan independence separatists" to the United States and warned of taking strong measures to safeguard its sovereignty.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, which is responsible for China policies, responded by accusing China of being the real instigator of trouble. They pointed to China's recent standoff with the Philippines in the South China Sea and its ongoing military harassment of Taiwan. The council emphasized Taiwan's commitment to defending its sovereignty and security, asserting that they will not back down.

China's strong disdain for Lai stems from his previous self-identification as a "practical worker for Taiwan independence." However, during his campaign, Lai has consistently stated that he does not aim to change the current state of affairs, emphasizing that the future of Taiwan should be determined by the Taiwanese people themselves.

A source familiar with Lai's trip revealed that his agenda in New York includes participating in receptions with overseas Taiwanese. However, he will not be engaging in meetings with U.S. lawmakers and intends to keep a low profile during his visit. This approach aligns with the shared position of Taipei and Washington to jointly manage risks in dealing with an authoritarian region during this sensitive time.

Expressing his excitement about the visit, Lai took to social media and stated his anticipation of seeing friends and participating in transit programs in New York. Additionally, Laura Rosenberger, chair of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a U.S. government-funded nonprofit organization responsible for unofficial relations with Taiwan, announced that she would meet with Lai in San Francisco on Wednesday.