Taiwan President Plans US Stops, Testing Washington-Beijing Ties

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te intends to make two stops in the US as part of a trip to diplomatic allies, testing ties between Beijing and Washington just as they prepare for a possible leaders’ summit.

Lai plans to visit Paraguay, Guatemala and Belize next month, according to two people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified discussing the sensitive issue. The Taiwanese leader, who has taken a tougher stance on China, plans stopovers in New York on Aug. 4 and Dallas on Aug. 14, one of the people said. The travel arrangements have not been finalized and could change.