"Taiwan VP's US Visit Raises Tensions with China"

The Biden administration is preparing for potential backlash from China as Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te plans to transit through the US on his way to Paraguay's presidential inauguration. The administration has warned Beijing against using this transit as a pretext for coercion or interference in Taiwan's upcoming elections. Lai's pro-Taiwan independence stance and his potential candidacy for Taiwan's presidency make his visit a sensitive issue for China. The announcement comes amid US climate envoy John Kerry's visit to Beijing to restart bilateral climate cooperation. The US expects Lai's transit to be routine and unofficial, in line with the One-China policy, but it may still draw attention from US lawmakers supporting Taiwan and criticizing China's actions.