Taiwan President's Pacific Tour and US Stopovers Draw Chinese Condemnation

Lai Ching-te's first overseas trip as Taiwan's leader includes visits to Pacific allies and stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, prompting threats of military drills from Beijing.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te begins a week-long trip to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, with stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, marking his first international visit since taking office in May 2024.
China has strongly opposed Lai's planned stopovers in the United States, labeling them as separatist actions and warning of potential military drills near Taiwan in response.
The trip highlights Taiwan's efforts to strengthen ties with its remaining 12 diplomatic allies and maintain its international presence amid ongoing Chinese pressure to isolate the island.
The United States, while adhering to its One-China policy, has described Lai's transit through US territories as routine and unofficial, consistent with long-standing practices.
Taiwan's defense ministry reported heightened Chinese military activity, detecting 41 aircraft and naval vessels near the island, with experts suggesting further drills could be imminent.