Shortly after, it emerged Trump administration officials had rebuffed his request to pass through US soil next month, over fears it could jeopardize trade talks with China. Adding to the turmoil, Taiwan officials are still racing against a Friday deadline to avert a 32% tariff from the US.

The Trump administration reportedly blocked Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te from a New York stopover after China's objections, aiming to avoid disrupting trade talks and a potential summit. Critics fear this signals a softening US stance on Taiwan to appease China,