Taiwan leader heads to US, despite China's objections

Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen left for the United States today, a stopover on her visit to Central America, despite angry reactions from China.

Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen. Photo: AP

Speaking to reporters before boarding the plane, Ms. Tsai said the visit to Central American countries would help promote relations between Taiwan and its allies and "show the international community that Taiwan is a capable and responsible partner for cooperation."

Ms. Tsai will transit in the US cities of Houston and San Francisco before going to Central America.

It is unclear whether Ms. Tsai will meet with President-elect Donald Trump or anyone on his transition team, although both sides have hinted at the possibility.

Earlier this month,North KoreaChina has expressed anger and asked Washington to prevent Ms. Tsai from setting foot in the United States on her way to Guatemala to comply with the "One China" policy.

However, the US State Department deniedThis proposal, arguing that the transit is based on "long-standing practice in the United States, consistent with the unofficial nature of the US-Taiwan relationship".

Implementing the "One China" policy, the US severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979.

According to VNE