Siew is expected to meet with senior economic and trade officials, congressional leaders and think tank academics in Washington Oct. 3-5, the aides noted.

In addition, he will visit Taiwanese expatriates in San Francisco Oct. 6-8 prior to his participation in a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate Taiwan’s National Day, which will be organized by local overseas Taiwanese in Vancouver, Canada, Oct. 9-10, the aides went on.

During his trip to the U.S., Siew will be treated as “no less than a presidential candidate,” the aides said, while declining to reveal U.S. officials of what rank are expected to meet with Siew.

Siew’s planned U.S.trip came after his rival — ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh — visited the U.S. in July.