Taiwan President Lai Ching-te kicked off his Pacific tour with a two-day stopover in Hawaii on Saturday, welcomed to the red carpet, with floral garlands and “alohas.” This marked a historic moment as Lai became the first Taiwanese president to receive such a ceremonial welcome at Honolulu’s international airport.
Accompanied by Hawaiian officials, including Governor Josh Green and Ingrid Larson from the American Institute in Taiwan, Lai toured notable sites such as a Pacific island history museum, an emergency management center, and the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
Lai described the tour as ushering in “a new era of values-based democracy,” emphasising Taiwan’s commitment to deepening partnerships founded on democracy, peace, and prosperity. Addressing Taiwanese nationals and US officials during a dinner, Lai reaffirmed his goal of fostering stronger international ties.
China’s Sharp Response
China, which maintains the island as part of its territory, issued a tough censure over Lai’s layover. China blamed the United States of compromising its sovereignty and promised to resort to “resolute and strong measures” against Taiwan’s movement toward independence. The Defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian made another rejection to de jure official interactions of Washington and Taipei and called those attempts “crushing.“.
Lai’s visit coincides with heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait, where Beijing frequently deploys military assets to assert its claims over the island. Adding to the friction, the US recently approved arms sales to Taiwan valued at $385 million, including F-16 spare parts and advanced radar systems.
Pacific Tour to Strengthen Alliances
Following his Hawaiian stopover, Lai is set to visit Taiwan’s allies in the Pacific—Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau—before returning via Guam. This trip underscores Taiwan’s strategic efforts to bolster its international alliances amid mounting pressure from Beijing.
With Taiwan’s sovereignty at the forefront, Lai continues to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, advocating for democracy and resilience in the face of China’s aggressive posture.