Liz Truss visit to Taiwan attacked as 'Instagram diplomacy'

Since leaving Downing Street, Liz Truss has taken a firm stand on China. Credit: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images

Liz Truss&# The 39-year-old trip to Taiwan scheduled for next week has sparked controversy in the Conservative Party as a senior Tory accused the former prime minister of trying to remain relevant by engaging in «the worst diplomacy in the world.» Instagram».

Alicia Kearns, chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, said Ms Truss's visit to the island was «staged, not essential.»

Team G Ms. Truss responded by pointing out that she had been invited by the Taiwanese government, who would be «in a better position» to know what was in their people's interest than the MP for Rutland and Melton.

They accused Ms Kearns of «petty political attacks» and called on her to apologize for her remarks. But the committee chairman is known to have no plans to retract his allegations.

The saber-rattling Chinese

Ms Truss is due to travel to Taiwan next week to show solidarity with its people as she promotes a firm approach to China.

She will give a speech and is expected to meet senior members of the Taiwanese government during a visit that is likely to draw backlash from Beijing, which has repeatedly warned the West to cut ties with the island China claims as its own.

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In recent months, Beijing has been conducting military exercises near Taiwan and invading its airspace as the situation around the island becomes more hectic. After last year's visit to Taiwan by former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, China responded with a powerful show of force.

Meanwhile, Ms Truss was belittled by Chinese state media. as a «complete political figure». ahead of her visit.

'Transformative Trip'

Ms Kearns said Ms Truss' trip would be «extremely useless» as it could escalate the situation in Taiwan. In comments cited by the Guardian, she said: “The trip is performative, not substantive. This is the worst example of Instagram diplomacy.

“It is extremely useless because it aggravates the normal situation in Taiwan. The Taiwanese are already having to live with new Chinese military maneuvers because of Nancy Pelosi's visit. Liz Truss doesn't have any influence anymore — it's more about staying relevant.»

Alicia Kearns blamed Liz Truss » trying to stay relevant.» Photo: Heathcliff O'Malley.

Ms. Truss's team called on Ms. Kearns to apologize for «abusing her position» as chairman of the select committee to intervene in the matter.

Her spokesman said, «The former prime minister has been invited to visit Taiwan. government. They know better what's in the interests of the Taiwanese people than the Rutland MP.

“Taiwan's future as a free democracy is at stake. Alicia Kearns must apologize for abusing her position as committee chair-elect to engage in petty political attacks.»

The Foreign Affairs Committee made its own visit to Taiwan last year, led by Ms. Kearns, when party group of MPs met with dignitaries amid Britain's tense relations with Beijing.

The chairman said before the trip: «I think the reason for the trip, and it is I suggested that we visit as a foreign affairs committee, we visiting allies around the world, we also visit our friends and try to understand the biggest problems facing our country as well as international security.”