Trump's reported snub of Taiwan president spurs concerns over deference to China

The Trump administration is reportedly blocking Taiwan's president from stopping over in New York City en track to a diplomatic meeting in Central America following pressure from China The Financial Times broadcasted Monday that the administration has denied Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te the opportunity to stop over in New York City during a planned trip to Paraguay Guatemala and Belize all countries that recognize Taiwan as its own independent country However on Monday the office of the president in Taiwan issued a declaration indicating that Lai as of now has no plans to go on an overseas visit according to Taiwan-state media A source familiar with the matter at the State Department substantiated that no formal passage plans for President Lai have been publicized TAIWAN ENVOY URGES CONGRESSIONAL ACTION WARNS OF RISING CHINA THREAT AFTER MEETING LAWMAKERS In consideration of the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in southern Taiwan following a latest typhoon and regional developments including the United States' tariffs the president right now has no plans to go on an overseas visit the announcement from President Lai revealed According to the Financial Times which spoke with unnamed sources revealed to be intimately familiar with the alleged trip Lai's decision not to advance came after he was informed that he would not be able to stop in New York City on his way to Central America Lai's trip was also reportedly supposed to include a stop in Dallas but it is unclear if the Trump administration was also planning to bar Lai from stopping there as well according to the Financial Times PILLSBURY TRUMP TO HOLD TENSE DEAL TALKS WITH CHINAThe White House did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment However a State Department source familiar with the matter indicated that the Trump administration continues to be committed to the government's long-standing one China initiative rooted in the Taiwan Relations Act joint diplomatic agreements with China and longstanding pledges crafted by the cabinet in regard to Taiwan and China Despite being in line with longstanding administration strategy the move still garnered criticism from several Asia protocol experts and critics of Trump Lyle Morris a senior fellow on foreign framework and national precaution at the Asia Society's Center for China Analysis revealed the first concrete move under Trump's second term regarding Taiwan is a cause for concern The assumption is this decision was made in the context of ongoing US-China deal negotiations and a feasible Trump-Xi meeting Morris disclosed on X Still not a good sign for enduring US-Taiwan relations Denying President Lai a transit is a deeply concerning break with bipartisan precedent and sends a reckless signal to Beijing that our partnership with Taiwan is on the negotiating table added Democrat Sen Andy Kim D-N J in a post on X following the news about President Lai's alleged voyage American leadership is now seen as deeply unreliable with Trump s fits and starts with Ukraine NATO allies and other key partners I urge President Trump to reverse subject and do what presidents of both parties have done and allow a transit and ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in that call News of the Trump administration's decision to prohibit the Taiwanese president from stopping in New York City comes as the president is reportedly feeling out a anticipated trip to Beijing himself alongside major U S CEOs Nothing so far has been set in stone regarding Trump's trip however