US Pentagon’s top China official travels to Taiwan, sources say
- The visit by deputy assistant secretary of defence Michael Chase could exacerbate tensions between Beijing and Washington
- China, which regards Taiwan as a wayward province that must be reunited with the mainland, has repeatedly demanded that foreign officials not visit the island
The Pentagon’s top China official, deputy assistant secretary of defence Michael Chase, has arrived in Taiwan, two sources familiar with matter said on Friday, beginning a visit that could exacerbate tensions between Beijing and Washington.
Both Taiwan’s Defence Ministry and the Pentagon declined to comment on the trip, which was first reported by the Financial Times.
“We don’t have a comment on specific operations … but I would highlight that our support for, and defence relationship with, Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People’s Republic of China,” a Pentagon spokesperson said.
The sources offered no further details on Chase’s travel, and spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.
Speaking earlier, Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said he was “not very certain” about a report that the trip would take place.
Chiu, asked whether Chase would be coming, said “those who are friendly to us” are very welcome,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a parliament session.