TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) expressed confidence Thursday (Nov. 13) in President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) future U.S. transits. Lin addressed speculation about Lai's canceled August trip to Central and South America during a POP Radio (POP聯播網) appearance. The minister reassured the public that diplomatic arrangements for presidential transits remain viable.
Lin clarified the trip cancellation was not due to lack of U.S. trust but multiple diplomatic considerations. President Lai had planned Central and South America visits with Dallas and New York stopovers. The minister emphasized diplomatic arrangements must account for safety, comfort, and dignity in transit planning.
Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Washington-based German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific program, suggested Taiwan might reschedule Lai's U.S. transit before year-end, though Lin confirmed no dates are set. Lin stressed diplomatic affairs require consideration of timing, domestic situations, and host country activities. When asked about transit before the April Xi-Trump summit, Lin responded any time would be good. ◼
