Taiwan’s President Makes Historic Stop in Hawaii on Pacific Tour
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te landed in Hawaii on Saturday, beginning a two-day stopover as part of a Pacific tour designed to project the island’s role as a champion of global peace and stability.
This visit, Lai’s first international journey since taking office in May, has sparked a furious reaction from Beijing. The Chinese government views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and vehemently opposes any engagement between the island’s leaders and foreign powers.
“Thank you to the US government for upholding the principles of safety, dignity, comfort and convenience for helping the smooth process of this trip,” Lai told reporters before his departure.
His trip coincides with heightened military pressure from China, which has already held two rounds of war games this year. Security sources suggest Beijing might conduct further military exercises to align with Lai’s tour, which also includes stops in Guam, a US territory, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau.
These Pacific islands are among the 12 countries that still maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taipei. Notably, China has been actively expanding its influence in this region.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green extended a warm welcome to Lai upon his arrival at Honolulu airport, highlighting the shared resilience and collaborative spirit between Hawaii and Taiwan.
“It was a momentous occasion,” Green said in a statement. “Hawaii is proud to share these values with Taiwan.”
Green later hosted Lai for a briefing on emergency management, focusing on collaborative strategies for addressing natural disasters.
Ingrid Larson, Washington Office Managing Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, the body serving as the unofficial US embassy in Taiwan, was also present at the airport to welcome Lai. Laura Rosenberger, chair of the institute, expressed excitement on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, "Ingrid Larson and the great community of Hawaii are excited to greet you!”
The welcome Lai received was reportedly unprecedented.
"President Lai’s transit was the first time that he was received at the airport, and a red carpet was rolled and flowers were presented, which was the highest level of courtesy ever, different from the past mode of entry into the terminal, and the level of the reception also exceeded previous norms," reported Taiwan’s official Central News Agency.
A spokesperson for the US State Department clarified that the transit was "private and unofficial and squarely within precedent."
Later in the day, Lai visited the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, a poignant reminder of the devastating attack that propelled the US into World War II.
The stopover in Hawaii, home to major US military bases, comes as tensions between the US and China continue to escalate.
Earlier this week, China expressed strong disapproval of a recently approved US arms deal for Taiwan, valued at an estimated $385 million. This deal, announced by the Pentagon on Friday, involves the provision of spare parts and support for F-16 jets and radars to Taiwan.
Lai’s trip coincides with the impending inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who suggested during his campaign that Taiwan should contribute financially to its own defense.
Taiwanese presidents often capitalize on what are officially classified as stopovers in the US to connect with friendly US politicians and deliver speeches. These stopovers typically occur during visits to distant allies situated in the Pacific, Latin America, or the Caribbean.
“This trip is the beginning of a new era of value-based diplomacy,” Lai declared. “Democracy, prosperity and peace are the expectations of the people of Taiwan, and they are also the values that I, as president, must actively promote.”
Although the US maintains only unofficial relations with Taiwan and adheres to a “one-China” policy, recognizing Beijing diplomatically, US law mandates that it provide Taiwan with the necessary resources for self-defense.
The Taiwanese government vehemently rejects Beijing’s claims of sovereignty over the island, affirming its right to engage with the international community and for its leaders to travel abroad.
## Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te: A Historic Hawaii Stopover and Rising Tensions
**World Today News Expert Interview**
**Dr. Elizabeth Chen, Professor of East Asian Politics, Columbia University**
**World Today News:** Dr.Chen, President Lai’s stopover in Hawaii, the first international trip as taking office, has been met with a strong response from both China and the US. Can you shed light on the significance of this visit?
**Dr. Chen:** Absolutely. This visit is multifaceted. On the surface, it’s a routine diplomatic stop on Lai’s Pacific tour, aimed at solidifying Taiwan’s ties with regional allies who maintain formal diplomatic relations. however, considering the current geopolitical climate, it takes on a far greater meaning.
**World Today News:** How does this visit factor into the broader US-China rivalry?
**Dr. Chen:** Lai’s trip comes at a time of heightened US-China tensions. Beijing sees any interaction between Taiwan’s leaders and foreign powers as a challenge to its claim over the island. Lai’s transit through Hawaii, home to crucial US military installations, sends a message of support for Taiwan. The unprecedented welcome Lai received, with a red carpet and official greetings, further underscores the significance of this visit and the increasing willingness of the US to engage with Taiwan on a more prominent stage.
**World Today News:** What are the potential implications for future US-Taiwan relations?
**Dr. Chen:** This visit could signal a shift towards a more assertive US posture on Taiwan. While reaffirming the “One China” policy, the US is increasingly willing to demonstrate its commitment to Taiwan’s security and autonomy.Alongside increased arms sales and military exercises, this trip represents a strengthening of informal ties between Washington and Taipei.
**world Today News:** What is China’s likely response to Taiwan’s Pacific tour and Lai’s stopover in Hawaii?
**Dr. Chen:** Following Lai’s visit to the US embassy in Honduras last week and amid his visit to the Pacific Island, China has already responded with military drills. We can expect further military exercises, diplomatic pressure on Taiwan’s allies, and strong rhetoric condemning these moves. Beijing is resolute to isolate Taiwan and prevent any move towards formal independence.
**World Today News:** What are the potential risks of escalating tensions between China and the US over Taiwan?
**Dr. Chen:** The situation is delicate. Any miscalculation or provocative action could lead to a rapid escalation of tensions and potentially even a military confrontation. Both sides need to exercise restraint and engage in direct dialog to manage their differences and prevent miscommunication. The stakes are incredibly high, not just for the region, but for global stability.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for providing your expert analysis on this crucial issue.
