WASHINGTON — The US said Thursday that Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s expected transit through US soil en route to Paraguay next month would be routine and not a shift in policy, despite Chinese warnings.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said such transits “are consistent with long-standing US policy” and done for the passenger’s “safety, comfort, and dignity.”

China, which claims Taiwan as its own, opposed Lai visiting the US “under any pretext” and warned both Washington and Paraguay.

The US recognises Beijing but maintains arms sales to Taipei. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted after meeting China’s Wang Yi in Malaysia that while the US understands Beijing’s stance, Lai’s transit was not discussed.