A likely 2024 presidential candidate’s trip to Washington is rumored to have hit several snags, with many of his intended interlocutors not replying to his messages. Head of Taiwan People’s Party and former Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) announced his trip to Washington would begin on April 8th. 

Ko, who has expressed interest in running for president, was slated to meet with US lawmakers and academics at prominent think tanks. 

However, recent media reports claim several of these figures have been unresponsive to his requests. His trip may also overlap with President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) recently announced plan to visit the United States in early April. 

People’s party Secretary-General Tom Chou (周台竹) addressed the reports on Thursday, saying that they were completely untrue. He says the meetings are being arranged smoothly, and that it’s best not to announce specific dates too early. He adds there should be no conflict with President Tsai’s Washington visit, and that he wishes her success on her trip.