Lu Shiow-yen: Head of State Diplomacy Should Be Respected, Condemns Any Interference

(CNA Reporter Chao Li-yen, Su Mu-chun, Taichung, 23rd) President Lai Ching-te's planned visit to the African ally Eswatini has been postponed. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen stated today that head-of-state diplomacy should be treated with courtesy and respect, and any interference or pressure should be condemned.

President Lai was originally scheduled to visit the ally Eswatini on the 22nd, but Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar suddenly canceled flight clearances for the presidential plane, causing the trip to be postponed. China's pressure on third countries to obstruct the Taiwanese president's diplomatic visit has sparked international attention.

Mayor Lu Shiow-yen attended an event today where Dr. Kjell Lindgren, an astronaut invited by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), visited Taichung City. In a post-event interview with the media, she said, "Head-of-state diplomacy is very important and should be supported." She added that head-of-state diplomacy should be treated with courtesy and respect, and should not be interfered with. "Any interference or pressure should be condemned."

She also mentioned that besides condemnation, she hopes national leaders have the ability to expand international space, as being trapped is not a solution. "I suggest that President Lai could perhaps consult former President Tsai Ing-wen to solve the problem."

AIT Director Raymond Greene stated that this is yet another example of Beijing intimidating Taiwan and its supporters worldwide, abusing the international civil aviation system, and threatening international peace and prosperity. "We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue." (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150423