Taiwan's Vice President to Visit New York and San Francisco

Taiwan's presidential office announced on Wednesday that "Vice President William Lai will stop in New York and San Francisco on his way to Paraguay and during his return trip for the inauguration ceremony of the new president." The statement clarified that "Lai is scheduled to stop in New York on August 12 while going to Paraguay and in San Francisco on August 16 during his return to Taiwan." Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Yui stated at a press conference at the presidential office, "The visit should not cause discomfort to other parties or become an excuse to deepen conflicts." Last month, the Taiwanese government announced the two cities where Lai will stop without providing further details, which sparked anger from China, condemning Lai and labeling him a separatist. The chief U.S. diplomat in Taipei urged China not to take any "provocative" actions in response to these brief stops, describing them as customary.