Vice President Lai Ching-te will not require additional vaccine shots in order to enter United States territory on his way to Honduras for President-elect Xiomara Castro’s inauguration. That came from a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Chang Tun-han on Thursday.
The Taiwanese delegation headed by Lai will stop over for one night in Los Angeles on their way to Honduras. They will spend one additional night in San Francisco on their way back, before returning to Taiwan on January 30.
The United States currently only allows entry to people who have received vaccinations from manufacturers approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization. Lai, however, has received three shots of the Taiwan-made Medigen vaccine, which has not been approved in the US. Following discussions with Taiwan’s foreign ministry, the US has agreed to allow Lai to enter the US without having to take additional vaccine doses.
Chang says that since US President Joe Biden assumed office, the US has shown staunch support for Taiwan through concrete actions. Allowing Lai to enter the US without obstruction is in line with the long-standing US principle for receiving a transiting Taiwanese president or vice president, which rests on the pillars of safety, comfort, convenience, and dignity.
Lai's schedule while in the US will include virtual meetings and phone calls with local government officials and leaders of the local Taiwanese community.