Paraguay, one of a dwindling number of countries to recognise Taipei rather than Beijing, announced Monday that Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te would visit in August, likely meaning he would need to fly through US territory.

State department spokesman Tammy Bruce did not confirm Lai would transit but played down any political implications.

“Transits of the US by high-level Taiwan officials, including presidents, are in line with past practice and fully consistent with our long-standing policy,” she told reporters.

“Such transits are undertaken with consideration for the safety, comfort, convenience and dignity of the passenger,” she said.

China’s foreign ministry warned both Paraguay and the US about Lai’s travel.

“We oppose any visit to the US by leaders of the Taiwan authorities under whatever reason or pretext,” the foreign ministry said in a statement on X.

China claims Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, as its territory and has threatened to annex it by force.

The US only recognises Beijing but sells weapons to Taiwan.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio, a long-time critic of Beijing, met last week in Malaysia with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in what he called “very constructive and productive” talks.

Rubio said after the meeting that “obviously we understand their viewpoints on Taiwan”, but that there was no discussion about potential transit by Lai.