MOFA says no finalized itinerary for Lai’s diplomatic visit

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) addressed plans Tuesday (July 29) for President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) potential visit to Latin American allies, stating no itinerary has been finalized. The president currently has no travel plans due to recent typhoons and ongoing tariff concerns affecting the island.

The ministry acknowledged challenges posed by China's influence on Taiwan's diplomatic affairs. Officials expressed hope that China, as a major regional power, will cease escalating tensions in the area.

Reports in July suggested President Lai's visit would include a transit through the United States. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña had indicated plans for a reception in August, though Taiwan's Presidential Office (總統府) and its U.S. representative office have not confirmed these arrangements.

The Financial Times and Reuters reported that the Trump administration rejected President Lai's transit through New York after China protested the move. This decision reportedly delayed the planned August diplomatic arrangements with Latin American partners.

The Financial Times cited U.S. foreign policy analyst Bonnie Glaser, who argued Trump should resist Chinese pressure rather than succumb to Beijing's demands. Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the decision on Facebook, calling it a dangerous signal showing the U.S. can be intimidated into silence on Taiwan issues.

The U.S. State Department spokesperson noted Taiwan had not officially announced Lai's travel plans. Officials therefore, refrained from commenting on what they characterized as hypothetical scenarios.

The United States reiterated that high-level Taiwanese officials' transits align with longstanding policy and established practices. Washington continues adhering to the One China policy (一個中國原則) and the Taiwan Relations Act (台灣關係法).