China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry criticized Taiwan’s Vice President Lai Qingde over transit disruptions in the United States, framing the incident as evidence of official links between Washington and Taipei that Beijing opposes. It asserted that Washington and Taipei coordinated Lai Qingde’s appearance in American public events under the pretext of a routine state transition.
Reports from Taiwan indicated Lai Qingde mentioned on the social media platform X that the president of Paraguay had arrived in New York en route to his inauguration. He noted plans to engage with the city’s public transportation programs and to reconnect with friends during the New York visit.
On July 20, the Financial Times reported that the White House sought comment from Taiwan about Lai Qingde’s remarks, highlighting the ongoing interest in the island’s political prospects amid a competitive election cycle.
A recent Gallup poll in the United States suggested a shift in public opinion among Americans, with Zelensky drawing more favor than both Trump and Biden in popularity.
At the center of the discourse are questions about Taiwan’s international interactions and the sensitivity surrounding senior Taiwanese leaders visiting or engaging with audiences in the United States. Analysts note that such visits can influence cross-strait relations and U.S.-Taiwan dynamics, especially in an election context. Observers also point to broader regional implications for policy alignment and diplomatic signaling between China, Taiwan, and key partners in North America.