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Videos shared on social media and from the travelling press pack show Tsai arriving at a New York hotel, waving at a crowd of supporters holding US and Taiwan flags. She was surrounded by a heavy security detail and accompanied by Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the US, Hsiao Bi-khim.
A larger crowd of protesters also gathered nearby, waving US and Chinese flags and holding signs saying “there is only one China in the world”, “Taiwan independence has no way out, Taiwan independence is a dead end”, and “support China’s reunification and resolutely oppose Taiwan independence”.
The anti-Tsai protests appeared to be organised by local Chinese organisations, including the Brooklyn Chinese United Overseas Chinese Mission, according to screenshots shared by a protest-monitoring Twitter account, whyyoutouzhele. The screenshots detailed the time and place of protests, and offered transport. On Thursday a top Taiwan national security official alleged protesters were offered US$200 (£162) to attend, but did not specify who paid.
