Opposition KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia began a multi-city visit to China on Wednesday. On Tuesday evening Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said it was inappropriate for any Taiwanese politician to visit China at this moment.
Last week, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and objected to Pelosi's visit, which could be construed as the US legitimizing Taiwan’s sovereignty. In response to Pelosi’s trip, China is conducting live-fire military drills close to Taiwan.
The KMT said Hsia’s trip was in the works before China began conducting its military exercises. The party said Hsia’s trip will focus on understanding what Taiwanese people living in China need. It claims Hsia will not visit Beijing or meet with any “high level officials.”
The Council said China’s military exercises infringe on Taiwan’s sovereignty. It said Hsia’s trip will not only cause controversy but will also mislead the international community about the threats and challenges Taiwan faces. The Council called on Hsia to delay his trip or condemn China’s aggression to prevent playing into Beijing’s efforts to unify with Taiwan.
Hsia’s trip is also stirring controversy within the party. On Wednesday a group of young KMT municipal legislators published an open letter calling on the party to cancel the trip.