US lets China’s rival Taiwan into exclusive visa waiver program

Taiwan passport holders visiting the US on tourism or business will no longer have to apply for visas, the US Department of Homeland Security announced on Oct. 2. The move could complicate America’s relationship with China who regards Taiwan as a province of its own and whose citizens apply to travel to the United States in droves every year. In contrast to the Chinese who must wait months for a visa and meet strict requirements, Taiwan residents can travel freely to the US for less than 90 days. The US does not officially recognize Taiwan as a country but has maintained close ties with the island in part to balance China’s rising influence in the region.