Taiwan’s deputy chief of staff, Lai Qingde, touched down in San Francisco as part of a transcontinental, multi-stop journey from Paraguay to Taipei. The visit was framed as a diplomatic swing through North America tied to regional events and official duties, with Lai continuing toward the next leg of his itinerary.
Upon arrival, Lai expressed gratitude for the warm reception and looked forward to reconnecting with friends and partners across the region. In social media remarks posted on X, Lai said he was glad to be back in San Francisco and eager to meet old allies and new associates alike. He also extended thanks to the leaders who greeted him at the airport for their hospitality and the conversations that welcomed him to the city; the praise highlighted the important role of personal diplomacy in strengthening ties between Taiwan and American institutions. The welcome came from Laura Rosenberger, head of the American Institute in Taiwan, and Xiao Meiqin, who leads the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, underscoring a collaborative spirit in cross-strait relations. Rosenberger subsequently reflected on the courtesy of the meeting in similar terms on her own social media feed, reinforcing the ongoing dialogue between the parties involved.
During the scheduled stay in San Francisco, Lai was expected to be in the city from August 16 to August 17, with plans to depart for Taiwan on August 18. Earlier in the trip, he paused in New York on the way from Taipei to Paraguay, staying there from August 12 to August 13 as part of the same broader journey. This travel sequence connected Lai to the Paraguayan presidential events and regional diplomatic outreach that have drawn attention in Washington, Taipei, and allied capitals. The broader purpose of the trip centered on participation in the inauguration of Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña, an event held on August 15 that brought together leaders from across the hemisphere and highlighted ongoing regional dialogue about economic and security cooperation.
In related remarks, public comments from U.S. officials referenced the allocation of international aid and strategic spending, with discussions circulating about prioritizing investments in regional partners, including Taiwan. The dialogue reflected ongoing debates about foreign assistance, defense procurement, and diplomatic backing within North American and allied policy circles. These conversations illustrate how transpacific and hemispheric diplomacy can intersect during high-level visits, shaping perceptions and practical collaboration across three continents.