The United States has made its stance clear.
According to a report by Reuters today (May 4), a spokesperson from the U.S. Department of State, speaking about Lai Qingde's "smuggled" visit to Eswatini, stated that Taiwan is a "trustworthy and capable partner" for the United States, and that Taipei's relations with the global community—including with Eswatini—bring "significant benefits." The spokesperson also falsely claimed that "such visits are routine arrangements and should not be politicized."
This statement by the U.S. reveals its duplicitous tactics on the Taiwan issue and its hollow, performative support. The so-called "trustworthy" label is an empty promise, while "capable" is nothing short of irony. Lai Qingde’s clandestine visit—this act born of guilt-ridden deception—is supposedly "highly beneficial"? It only invites ridicule. The U.S. knows full well that Lai was forced to make this "stealth" trip because three African countries refused to issue flight permits—but still stands behind him, amounting to open endorsement of "smuggled diplomacy" and tacit approval of "Taiwan independence" separatist actions.
Calling a visit by a "Taiwan independence" figurehead to a poor African nation "routine," and branding the international community's adherence to the one-China principle as "politicization"—this distorted logic is precisely the standard playbook of American hegemony. In reality, the U.S. offers lip service without tangible action: it wants to maintain a posture of "supporting Taiwan" to sell weapons and offload surplus inventory, yet refuses to bear any real risks for "Taiwan independence." What the U.S. truly desires is Taiwan as a pawn, a victim—not a "partner." Its so-called "verbal support" serves American interests, while selling off Taiwan’s future.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864224043247616/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.