Chinese consulate critical of Terlaje's attendance at Taiwan Day event

China has urged Speaker Therese Terlaje not to attend events associated with the Taiwanese government. The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles sent a voice message to Terlaje’s office on Oct. 18, stating that her attendance at a recent event hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office “sends the wrong message.

” China views Taiwan as a “renegade province” that should still be under the control of the Beijing government. Terlaje has advised other members of the 37th Guam Legislature of the message from the Chinese Consulate General in L.A.



“Through a representative, the Chinese Consulate expressed its concern regarding my attendance at the 113th Taiwan National Day celebration hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) on October 15, 2024,” the speaker wrote. According to Terlaje, “they wanted to make their position clear —that there is One China since 1949 which is supported by the U.S.

government and President. They stated that attending the event sends the wrong message to Taiwan.” The speaker said the caller identified herself as “Jane,” and went on to say, “the Consulate requests to avoid attending these events in the future.

” The Chinese government has long been critical of U.S. officials visiting Taiwan.

Several congressional delegations have traveled to the island in recent years, including a widely-reported trip in 2022 by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi while serving as the highest ranking member of the House. Terlaje said she felt it was important to share the information with her colleagues “for transparency and awareness.” “Should there be any further developments, I will keep you informed,” she added.

Terlaje did not provide any additional comment to the PDN about the call. The speaker also did not respond as to whether she would attend any future events held by the Guam TECO office. Taiwan’s celebration of its 113th National Day, hosted by TECO on Oct.

15 at Hyatt Regency Guam, was attended by several officials, including Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios, and lawmakers from both territories.

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