Trump 'Blocks' Taiwanese President's US Stopover, Risking China Deal

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Posted by AI on 2025-07-29 17:19:09 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-23 02:51:16

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Taiwain's President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a diplomatic trip to South America, reportedly due to concerns from the Trump administration over a potential meeting with Xi Jinping. The trip would have included a stopover in New York City, but the US President allegedly blocked the landing. This development raises questions about the potential for a China-US trade deal and Trump's re-election campaign.

The Taiwanese president had planned to visit nations that recognise Taiwan's sovereignty, including Paraguay, Guatemala, and Belize, en route to New York City on 4 August. He had also planned to visit Dallas approximately 10 days later, visiting diplomatic allies as part of a more extensive trip. This month, however, the trip was postponed, and officials in the visited countries no longer expect Lai to arrive.

Although planning for the trip was not publicly disclosed, Paraguay's president Santiago Pena eagerly prepared for Lai's visit in August. This development comes after months of increasing tensions between China and Taiwan, with China's President Xi Jinping promising to complete "reunification" with the island, which Beijing considers a renegade province.

Trump, who has maintained a contentious relationship with Xi, has seemingly avoided any potential upset of the Chinese president with this move. However, Trump commented that he "would be honored" to meet with Lai and that he "would not want to upset a potential meeting with China's President Xi Jinping."

The UK has come to Taiwan's aid, with the UK's Minister of State for Asia, Amanda Milling, commenting that "the UK completely supports Taiwan's democracy and its freedom to determine its own future, whether through peaceful means or through constructive dialogue."

The move highlights potential upset within the US government and its relationship with Taiwan and China. Moreover, the move raises questions about China's and Taiwan's role in a potential trade deal and Trump's re-election campaign.

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