TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The head of the Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB, 國安局) confirmed on Wednesday (Oct. 16) that Tsai Ing-wen's office has not clarified any plans for a potential U.S. visit. NSB Director-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) emphasized that the NSB remains vigilant regarding the locations, routes, and events involving former presidents, especially concerning any mobilization by Chinese communities.
Earlier that day, Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Legislator Hung Meng-kai (洪孟楷) raised concerns in the Legislative Yuan's Foreign and National Defense Committee about possible countermeasures from China if Tsai visits the U.S.
Tsai Ming-yen reassured that the NSB provides security protection for former presidents in accordance with the law. Tsai Ing-wen, after leaving office, delivered a speech at the Forum 2000 in the Czech Republic and visited Paris, France.
U.S. media reported Tsai Ing-wen may travel to the U.S. shortly after her European tour.
An anonymous Biden administration official indicated she could visit in a private capacity. The official noted the longstanding tradition of people-to-people exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwan, asserting that unofficial Taiwanese travel does not impact the U.S. "One China" policy.
Meanwhile, Taiwan's representative office in the U.S. declined to comment on any matters related to Tsai's potential visit.