US to let in Taiwan president, rejecting China's request to block visit

The United States government has turned down China’s request to block Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s planned stopover on US soil in the coming weeks, further fueling tensions caused by President-elect Donald Trump’s phone call with Tsai.

According to US State Department spokesman Mark Toner, Tsai’s trip would be based on “long-standing US practice, consistent with the unofficial nature of relations with Taiwan.”

Trump’s phone conversation with Tsai on Friday angered the Chinese government, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province awaiting reunification.

The conversation was a first by a US president or president-elect since Washington cut ties with Taiwan in 1979 and committed to the “one-China” principle, which recognizes Taiwan as a part of China.

Following the call, reports emerged that Tsai was going to make a short stop in New York City on her way to the South American countries of Guatemala and El Salvador early next…

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