Taiwan Postpones Diplomatic Trip Amid U.S.-China Pressure, Faces China’s Rising Diplomatic Isolation Campaign

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has postponed a diplomatically sensitive trip to the U.S. and Central American countries, reportedly due to a combination of domestic disaster recovery efforts and ongoing U.S.-China trade negotiations. Reports indicate that the Trump administration blocked Lai from stopping over in New York City during the planned trip, a move reflecting adherence to the longstanding U.S. one-China policy despite unofficial support for Taiwan. Meanwhile, tensions between Taiwan and China remain high as China strongly criticized Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung for a private visit to Japan, accusing Japan of violating China-Japan political agreements and supporting Taiwan independence forces. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council condemned China's allegations against Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, emphasizing Taiwan's commitment to democracy and sovereignty. Additionally, Taiwan condemned political interference by China in a cultural event in Japan, where Taiwanese choir participants were forced to remove national symbols and rename teams under Chinese pressure, an act Taiwan described as despicable and politically motivated. These developments underscore ongoing diplomatic tensions involving Taiwan, China, and their international engagements amid complex U.S.-China relations.