Introduction: U.S. Republican Congressmen Advocate for Taiwan President’s U.S. Transit
Five Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives have sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging him not to impose any conditions on Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) if he transits through a U.S. territory during his upcoming South Pacific tour. The lawmakers also called on President Joe Biden to personally meet with Lai should the opportunity arise during his visit.
This letter comes a week before President Lai’s first official overseas trip since taking office in May 2024. Lai is scheduled to visit the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau from November 30 to December 6, but Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet confirmed if the president will stopover in the U.S.
Details of the Congressional Letter
The letter, addressed to Secretary Blinken on Friday, November 22, emphasized that the U.S. should not impose arbitrary restrictions on President Lai during his transit. Specifically, the congressmen called for an open visit without limitations on his interactions with the media or any public engagements.
The five Republican signatories—Representatives Tom Tiffany, Andy Ogles, Chris Smith, Scott Perry, and Lance Gooden—argued that no U.S. law prohibits or restricts visits by high-ranking Taiwanese officials, including their elected president. They also expressed their opposition to Beijing’s demands to block such stopovers.
In the letter, they voiced strong condemnation of China’s interference, describing Beijing’s objections as “outrageous and unacceptable.” They urged Washington to reject any attempt to limit Lai’s movement, calling on the U.S. government to act independently of Beijing’s pressure.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry Response and Plans
At a news briefing in Taipei, Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) confirmed that plans for President Lai’s stopover are still being finalized. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet confirmed whether Lai will transit through any U.S. territories, but a formal announcement will be made at the appropriate time.
Tien’s statement suggested that Taiwan remains flexible about the stopover and is carefully considering the arrangements for Lai’s South Pacific trip. In previous years, Taiwanese presidents have made similar stopovers during their international travels, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the U.S.
Past U.S. Stopovers: Precedents and Context
Historically, U.S. territories have allowed Taiwanese leaders to make stopovers en route to international destinations. Former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), for example, made multiple stopovers in Hawaii and Guam during her trips to the South Pacific in 2017 and 2019. These transits have become a common practice, despite the absence of formal diplomatic recognition between Taiwan and the United States.
The letter from the Republican congressmen reiterates the importance of maintaining these precedents, reinforcing Taiwan’s right to conduct international travel without interference from Beijing.
China’s Objections: An Unacceptable Interference
In a statement earlier in November, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian (林劍) condemned the potential stopover by President Lai in the U.S., calling it an unacceptable violation of China’s sovereignty. Lin warned that such a transit would send “wrong signals” to pro-Taiwan independence forces.
The letter from the U.S. congressmen, however, strongly rejected Beijing’s interference in U.S. domestic matters, asserting that the United States should continue to uphold its long-standing commitment to Taiwan’s democracy and international participation.
FAQs About the U.S. Stopover Issue for President Lai
Q1: What is the significance of the U.S. stopover for Taiwan President Lai Ching-te?
The stopover would mark an important moment for Taiwan’s international presence, allowing President Lai to engage with the U.S. on his way to visit diplomatic allies in the South Pacific. The issue has garnered attention due to China’s opposition and the potential for political tension.
Q2: Why are U.S. Congressmen involved in this matter?
Five Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives have written to Secretary Blinken urging that no conditions be imposed on President Lai’s stopover. They have also called for President Biden to consider meeting with Lai during his visit. Their involvement underscores the ongoing bipartisan support for Taiwan in U.S. politics.
Q3: Has Taiwan confirmed if President Lai will stopover in the U.S.?
No, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not confirmed any plans for Lai to transit through the U.S. The decision is still being finalized, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
Q4: How have U.S. lawmakers historically responded to Taiwan’s leaders’ stopovers in the U.S.?
In the past, U.S. lawmakers have supported Taiwan’s right to transit through U.S. territories during international trips. This letter from the Republican congressmen is in line with previous bipartisan support for Taiwan’s international engagement.
Conclusion: Bipartisan Support for Taiwan’s International Engagement
The letter from the U.S. congressmen highlights strong bipartisan support for Taiwan, reinforcing the importance of maintaining robust U.S.-Taiwan relations, even in the face of pressure from Beijing. As President Lai prepares for his upcoming South Pacific trip, the question of a U.S. stopover remains under discussion, but the U.S. government has made it clear that any interference from China will not deter Taiwan’s democratic progress on the world stage.
