Trump blocks Taiwan president’s NYC stopover due to pressure from China - FT

The report states that in August, Lai planned to travel through the US en route to Paraguay, Guatemala, and Belize, countries that recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. However, according to three sources, the US prohibited Lai from visiting New York on his route after China expressed objections.

Specifically, Lai had reached out to the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington, requesting to attend an event in New York during his trip. He also planned to visit Dallas.

However, according to three sources, the US prohibited Lai from visiting New York on his way. It remains unclear whether the refusal was only for the New York stopover or if the president was barred from transiting through the US altogether.

The situation arose after China expressed objections to Washington regarding this visit. It is noted that Beijing regularly opposes visits by Taiwanese leaders to the US, which does not have official diplomatic relations with Taipei.

Earlier in 2023, the Biden administration allowed then-President Tsai Ing-wen to stop in New York on her way to Belize and Guatemala.

China and Taiwan expert Bonnie Glaser from the German Marshall Fund said that the US decision reflects that President Donald Trump wants to avoid irritating Beijing while trade negotiations continue and a possible summit with Xi Jinping is being prepared.

She added that Trump should resist pressure from China and not give in to it. She said that by signaling that some aspects of US relations with Taiwan were open for discussion, Trump would weaken deterrence and embolden Xi to demand further concessions regarding Taiwan.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Lai’s office released a statement saying that he does not plan to travel abroad in the near future.

According to sources familiar with the situation, this decision was made after Lai was informed that he would not be allowed to visit New York.