TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) arrived in Washington, D.C., on Friday (Dec. 12), staying at a hotel just two minutes from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT, 美國在台協會), according to reports. The visit has sparked speculation about its purpose, as ministry officials decline to comment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) has not disclosed whether Lin's visit pertains to U.S.-Taiwan arms sales or tariff discussions.
Lin reportedly met with AIT Director Raymond F. Greene on Dec. 8, expressing gratitude for AIT's ongoing support and emphasizing the pursuit of value diplomacy to enhance U.S.-Taiwan cooperation. Personnel spotted Lin near AIT headquarters, accompanied by Taiwanese staff and vehicles. The timing of Lin's Washington visit follows a Dec. 5 dinner between AIT officials, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), and National Security Council (NSC, 國安會) Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮).
AIT shared a Facebook post on Dec. 5 featuring photos from the dinner with President Lai, Vice President Hsiao, and NSC Secretary-General Wu — notably excluding Lin, who later appeared in Washington, D.C. In late November, the U.S. passed the Taiwan Assurance Act, lifting existing restrictions on U.S.-Taiwan interactions, potentially opening doors for high-level Taiwanese officials to visit the U.S. capital.
Lin previously stated in the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, that U.S. authorities had not barred heads of Taiwan's government from visiting Washington. This includes the Premier of the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, and presidents of the Legislative Yuan, Judicial Yuan (司法院), Examination Yuan (考試院), and Control Yuan (監察院). Lin remarked that if opportunities arise to visit the U.S., Taiwan should send a delegation. ◼
