(MENAFN) U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has reportedly denied Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te permission to make a stopover in New York during a planned diplomatic tour of Central America, the Financial Times reported on Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The decision allegedly came after pressure from Beijing.

Lai, who leads Taiwan, had been preparing for an August visit to Paraguay, Guatemala, and Belize—countries that officially recognize Taiwan’s independence. His itinerary had included proposed stopovers in New York and Dallas.

However, on Monday, Lai’s office stated that there were no immediate overseas travel plans, citing domestic recovery efforts following a recent typhoon and active trade negotiations with the U.S.

According to FT sources, the planned trip was adjusted after the U.S. declined the New York stopover request. It is still unclear whether the refusal applied to all U.S. transit or just New York specifically. Previous reports from outlets such as Bloomberg and Reuters had mentioned the proposed stopovers.

In response to the speculation, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday denied any U.S. refusal, asserting that no transit request had been rejected. Officials reiterated that Lai’s current focus remains on domestic issues and diplomatic talks.

The reported restriction coincides with sensitive trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing. Since returning to office in January, Trump has intensified the trade conflict with China by imposing new tariffs and tightening export controls. While Beijing responded with countermeasures, both sides have recently agreed to halt further escalations and set an August 12 deadline for a broader trade deal.

Taiwan’s unique political status remains a major point of contention in U.S.-China relations. After losing the Chinese Civil War in 1949, nationalist forces established self-rule in Taiwan. Although only a few countries formally recognize its sovereignty, most of the international community adheres to Beijing’s One-China policy. China staunchly opposes any formal interaction between U.S. and Taiwanese officials, though Washington continues to engage with Taipei through arms deals, trade, and unofficial diplomacy.

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