U.S. restrictions on Taiwan president’s transit through New York amid Chinese pressure: escalating diplomatic tensions
In an unexpected move, the U.S.
administration decided to prohibit Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, from stopping in New York during his transit to Central America.
This decision came as a response to increasing pressure and objections from China, which firmly opposes any high-level contacts between Taiwan and other nations.
Sources disclose that Lai planned to transit through the U.S.
in August en route to Paraguay, Guatemala, and Belize — countries that officially recognize Taiwan.
He had approached the Heritage Foundation, a conservative Washington-based think tank, seeking to organize events in New York, and also planned a stop in Dallas.
However, American authorities officially informed the Taiwanese delegation that stopping in New York was barred, and crossing U.S.
territory entirely prohibited may have been the case.
This move was a reaction to Beijing’s protests over the Taiwanese leader’s visit, as China seeks to limit any diplomatic interactions between the U.S.
and Taiwan at high levels.
Notably, in 2023, the Biden administration permitted then-President Tsai Ing-wen to stop in New York during her trip to Belize and Guatemala.
The current restrictions indicate a shift from the more accommodating approach of the Trump administration.
Political analyst Bonnie Glaser of the German Marshall Fund notes that this step might be aimed at avoiding escalation with China ahead of a possible summit between U.S.
President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
"Trump aims to counteract Chinese pressure directly rather than submit to it.
At the same time, he seeks to reduce tensions and signals that U.S.
ties with Taiwan are open for negotiation, which could tempt Beijing to demand further concessions," — said Glaser.