“The Donald Trump administration did not allow President Taiwan Pinji to stay in New York during a transit trip to Central America. The decision was made after China’s objections. Source: Financial Times Details: Lai planned transit through the United States in August, the road to Paraguay, Guatemala and Belize – countries that officially recognize Taiwan as an independent state.”, – WRITE: www.pravda.com.ua
Source: Financial Times
Details: Lai planned transit through the United States in August, the road to Paraguay, Guatemala and Belize – countries that officially recognize Taiwan as an independent state. According to a source aware of the situation, Lai turned to Heritage Foundation-a conservative analytical center in Washington-with a request to hold an event in New York during his planned visit. Lai also planned to visit Dallas.
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However, as reported by Financial Times, three sources are aware of the source situation, the US side informed the Taiwanese delegation that Lai will not be able to stop in New York. It is unknown whether the US has only banned stopping in New York, or did not allow transit at all through their territory.
This decision was a response to China’s protest against the visit of the Taiwanese leader. The official Beijing traditionally opposes any contact between the US and Taiwan at a high level.
In 2023, the administration of Joe Baiden allowed the then President Taiwan Tai Invince to stay in New York while traveling to Belize and Guatemala. The current restriction indicates a change in the Trump administration approach in interaction with Taiwan.
Leading Expert on China and Taiwan from German Marshall Fund Bonnie Gleizer believes that Donald Trump seeks to avoid exacerbation of relations with Beijing against the background of current American-Chinese trade negotiations and preparation for a probable summit with China’s leader.
“Trump has to withstand pressure from the PRC, not to be subjected to him,” Gleizer said.
“By giving a signal that some aspects of US relations with Taiwan are to negotiate, Trump weakens restraints and encourages SI to demand further concessions about Taiwan,” Glazer added.