Former Taiwan president Tsai to visit US next week

Tsai stated on Facebook that she would attend the Stanford DEFCON 2026 Technology & National Security Conference and deliver the opening remarks. She plans to share Taiwan's experiences in balancing technological development, democratic resilience, and national security with attendees from academia, government, and the technology industry.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, routinely objects to visits by senior Taiwanese officials. The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Tsai has already traveled to countries including Britain, France, and Canada since concluding her presidency.

Beijing refused to engage with Tsai after she won the presidency in 2016 and was reelected in 2020, viewing her and her Democratic Progressive Party as "separatists." China also refuses to engage with her successor, current President Lai Ching-te. The United States, which lacks formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, is its most significant international supporter and arms provider. Taiwan's government maintains its right to international engagement and rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.