TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sharply criticized Tuesday (July 29) the Trump administration's decision to block Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) from transiting through New York following Chinese protests. Pelosi denounced the move as a dangerous signal suggesting America might succumb to Beijing's pressure and remain silent on Taiwan issues. The criticism followed a Financial Times report revealing the diplomatic snub amid escalating U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan.
Pelosi voiced her concerns on Facebook, warning that preventing Lai's New York transit would demonstrate America's vulnerability to Chinese coercion on Taiwan matters. She emphasized the longstanding bipartisan consensus among U.S. lawmakers, anchored in the Taiwan Relations Act, to support Taiwan's democracy as essential to global and regional security interests. The former Speaker's remarks underscored deep congressional commitment to Taiwan despite executive branch diplomatic calculations.
Pelosi further criticized the Trump administration's action as evidence of Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) overriding American values, security, and economic interests. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部) countered Tuesday (July 29) during a press conference, disputing reports by clarifying that the Office of the President (總統府) has announced no travel plans. President Lai remains focused on domestic disaster relief efforts and critical U.S. trade negotiations, with no overseas visits scheduled in the immediate future. ◼