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5d ago

U.S. Reportedly Blocks Taiwan President’s New York Stopover Over China Trade Concerns

Taipei’s trade envoys are in Washington to avert a threatened 32 percent tariff.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te delivers a speech on anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe in Taipei, Taiwan May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te waves after an offshore anti-terrorism drill at the Kaohsiung harbor in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, Sunday, June 8, 2025.
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Overview

  • According to the Financial Times, the U.S. declined to authorize President Lai’s planned August 4 stopover in New York over concerns it could undermine trade negotiations with China.
  • Sources cited by the FT said Beijing’s vocal objections to high-level U.S. engagement with Taiwanese leadership influenced the decision.
  • The Presidential Office in Taipei dismissed reports of a cancelled layover as unfounded and said it will confirm any travel plans publicly once finalized.
  • Taiwanese trade officials are holding talks in Washington aimed at averting a threatened 32 percent U.S. tariff under Section 301 measures.
  • The decision follows precedent for using Taiwanese leader transits as diplomatic signals and comes ahead of a planned Trump–Xi summit on trade issues.