Australian MPs to Attend Taiwan Inauguration, Says Beijing Can’t Dictate Australia

DFAT rejected Beijing’s ‘incorrect assertions,’ saying the visit is consistent with Australia’s one China policy.

Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te (L) gestures beside his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim during a rally outside the headquarters of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taipei on Jan. 13, 2024. Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty Images

A pending visit to Taiwan by five federal Members of Parliament to attend the presidential inauguration ceremony has angered Beijing.

After recent elections, Taiwan has a new president-elect, Lai Ching-te, regarded by Beijing as a supporter of the island’s independence, who will be inaugurated next week.