Overview

• The administration declined Lai Ching-te’s planned August 4 stopover in New York after Beijing raised objections to his transit en route to South America
• Officials argue the decision shields ongoing US-China tariff negotiations and supports scheduling a potential summit between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping
• Taiwan’s Presidential Office says no overseas visit has been cancelled and that any itinerary will be announced once arrangements are final
• Taipei points to recent typhoon recovery in southern Taiwan and reciprocal tariff discussions with Washington as reasons for delaying international trips
• Critics including Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Andy Kim warn the move signals US willingness to yield to Beijing and undermines American credibility on Taiwan policy