Lai Ching-te’s potential US visits center on transit stopovers during trips to Taiwan’s diplomatic partners, constrained by Washington’s need to manage relations with Beijing. His October 2026 Pacific tour includes Hawaii and Guam, marking his first overseas travel since taking office and following US approval of additional arms sales. Earlier 2025 plans for continental stops in New York or Dallas en route to Latin America were reportedly blocked amid Trump-Xi trade and summit talks. US officials have affirmed unchanged policy under the Taiwan Relations Act and related commitments, while recent foreign minister visits to Arizona and arms package discussions highlight ongoing security and economic cooperation. Market resolution hinges on whether future itineraries secure approval before any deadline, with Beijing’s objections and US domestic priorities as key variables.