TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) denied rumors of a US travel ban for President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) in an interview on Thursday.

Speaking to Pop Radio, Lin said there is “no such thing as a US ban.” The foreign ministry and the US coordinate visits based on established principles, including safety, comfort, and dignity.

In July, Lai was denied transit in New York for his planned visit to Central and South America.

The choice of the transit city, Lin said, is determined by diplomatic considerations. Other factors include whether the destination country is holding a major event or official visit, and coordination with other nearby countries that might also be included in the itinerary.

Lin emphasized that “the timing and location must be appropriate and safe for both sides.” Asked whether Lai might make an overseas trip by the end of the year, Lin said the matter had not been decided and that any announcement would come from the Presidential Office. He added that the timing of an overseas trip by the president must be carefully weighed.

Lin said that diplomacy often involves confidentiality, noting that even Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s (蕭美琴) visit to the European Parliament was not announced beforehand. 

Regarding rumors of replacing Taiwan’s representative to the US, Lin reiterated that no personnel changes are planned. With US President Donald Trump just beginning his second term, Lin said stable Taiwan-US relations are crucial to maintain smooth diplomatic operations. This decision, he said, is based on institutional and practical political considerations within his authority as foreign minister, and it has the full support of the president.

After the interview, Lin said that under Lai, Taiwan’s diplomatic achievements and progress have resulted from collective efforts by the entire national security team.