Ex-premier of the UK will travel to Taiwan

Liz Truss, Britain's shortest-serving Prime Minister, has announced plans to travel to Taiwan next week to meet with top officials and deliver a speech. The move is likely to trigger the ire of China, which has condemned junkets to the island by current and former officials. Truss discussed the upcoming trip in a statement, using the opportunity to take a jab at Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its sovereign territory. The UK government has no diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but maintains a strong unofficial relationship. Truss will visit the island between May 16 and 20, during which time she will tour cultural and economic facilities, give a speech, and interact with people from all walks of life.

The former PM will deliver her address at an event organized by the Prospect Foundation, which has been sanctioned by the Chinese government. Beijing has yet to comment on Truss's visit, but has denounced such trips to Taiwan. Last year, Nancy Pelosi's visit triggered a harsh reaction from China, leading to military drills in the airspace and waters around Taiwan.