Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to visit US for DEFCON 2026 conference

China: The government of the People's Republic of China considers Taiwan its territory and consistently objects to official-level engagements by Taiwanese leaders or former leaders abroad. President Xi Jinping recently used his National Day address to reiterate firm opposition to Taiwanese independence and external interference in cross-strait affairs. In the news context, Beijing is expected to view Tsai's upcoming US trip critically, consistent with its long-standing stance on such visits. Donald Trump: Donald Trump is serving his second term as President of the United States. He recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, where Taiwan featured in discussions. In the news, he is referenced as the current US leader under whose administration Taiwan's sitting president has not yet made a visit, while the US remains Taiwan's key unofficial partner and security supporter. Lai Ching-te: Lai Ching-te is the current President of Taiwan, having succeeded Tsai Ing-wen after winning election in 2024. China has refused dialogue with him, labeling him and his party as separatists. In the news, he is noted as not yet having visited the United States during President Donald Trump's second administration. Tsai Ing-wen: Tsai Ing-wen served as President of Taiwan from 2016 to 2024 as the first woman in the role and a leader of the Democratic Progressive Party. She has continued international engagements since leaving office, including prior visits to Britain, France, and Canada. In the news, she announced plans to visit the United States next week to deliver opening remarks at the Stanford DEFCON 2026 Technology & National Security Conference, where she intends to discuss Taiwan's approach to technological development, democratic resilience, and national security. US-China Summit: President Trump and Chinese leader Xi discussed Taiwan during their recent meeting in Washington, with Beijing urging a firmer US stance against independence. Cross-Strait Relations: Chinese President Xi Jinping recently reinforced opposition to Taiwanese independence and external interference in remarks during National Day events. Taiwan's Global Outreach: Taiwan continues to assert its right to international engagement despite Beijing's objections, with former officials maintaining active overseas travel and dialogue.