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Reports suggest that Taiwan’s president has been denied a layover in New York City on his way to a diplomatic meeting in Central America due to pressure from China.
According to the Financial Times, the Trump administration has blocked Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te from stopping over in New York City during a planned trip to Paraguay, Guatemala, and Belize – all countries that recognize Taiwan as an independent nation.
However, the office of the president in Taiwan stated that Lai currently has no plans for an overseas visit. A source at the State Department confirmed that no formal travel plans for President Lai have been announced.
“In consideration of the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in southern Taiwan following a recent typhoon and regional developments including the United States’ tariffs, the president currently has no plans to go on an overseas visit,” the statement from President Lai said.
According to the Financial Times, Lai’s decision not to travel came after being informed that he would not be able to stop in New York City on his way to Central America. Lai’s trip was also supposed to include a stop in Dallas, but it is unclear if the Trump administration was planning to block him from stopping there as well.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment. However, a State Department source indicated that the Trump administration remains committed to the government’s one China policy, as outlined in the Taiwan Relations Act and joint diplomatic agreements with China.
Despite aligning with longstanding policy, the decision received criticism from some Asia policy experts and Trump critics. Lyle Morris, a senior fellow at the Asia Society’s Center for China Analysis, expressed concern about the decision and its impact on US-Taiwan relations.
“Denying President Lai a transit is a deeply concerning break with bipartisan precedent and sends a reckless signal to Beijing that our partnership with Taiwan is on the negotiating table,” said Democrat Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J.
News of the Trump administration’s decision comes as the president is reportedly considering a trip to Beijing alongside major U.S. CEOs, although no concrete plans have been confirmed yet.
