A frantic arms race between the US and China is underway in the Pacific while the fate of Taiwan hangs in the balance.

Taiwan's president reportedly canceled his trip after the U.S. denied him permission to stop over in New York en route to Central America.

US President Donald Trump reportedly opposed a stopover in New York by Taiwan’s president, says considers China trip.

Early results of the hugely controversial vote indicate the opposition will keep its majority in Taiwan's parliament.

Taiwan's foreign ministry spokesperson told Newsweek there was "no such thing as a postponement, cancellation, or the U.S. side refusing a transit stop."

As Taiwan gears up for a recall vote that could reshape its parliament, opposition lawmakers being challenged at the ballot box are getting two unusual supporters: Chinese officials and state media outlets rallying to their cause.

Taiwan, a small island off China’s southeastern coast, has become one of the world’s most critical geopolitical flashpoints. Though modest in size, its strategic importance is immense, placing it at the center of rising tensions between China and the United States.

Outcome exposes public fatigue with ruling DPP and leader William Lai’s anti-Beijing rhetoric as a blanket strategy, analysts say.