The Taiwanese President, Lai Ching-te, is on a tour of the Pacific and stopped on his way to Aloha State, Hawaii, in his inaugural U.S. visit. Although he was not met by any high-ranking U.S. or Hawaii state officials, staunch supporters of Taiwan received him at the hotel amidst cheering. Later, in a dinner hosted by his supporters, Taiwan President urged the U.S. to “fight together to prevent war,” in his first-ever public speech in the country.
The speech threw shade on China and marked it as a country that propagates war. This reflects the current state of affairs between China and Taiwan. As China views Taiwan as part of its territory, there is a constant threat of military action. In the face of such adversity, President Lai addressed China in his speech that “war has no winners,” and asked allies to “fight together to prevent war.”
The seven-day-long Pacific tour includes several of Taiwan’s allies, such as the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, with a stopover in Guam.
Key Insights From President Lai’s Speech
Taiwanese President Lai, at a dinner event in Hawaii, addressed several U.S. officials, Hawaii state politicians, Congress members, and Taiwanese expatriates. In his speech, several points stood out. He declared that there were “no winners” from conflict and the Taiwan President continued, “we have to fight, fight together to prevent war.”
He also highlighted the symbolic value of the U.S. and Hawaii state flags presented to him, emphasizing the enduring friendship and shared democratic values.
Reinforcing U.S.-Taiwan Ties
The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), also considered the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei, further reaffirmed the robust partnership between the U.S. and Taiwan. The Chairperson of AIT, Laura Rosenberger, called their relationship “rock solid.” In a pre-recorded message from Laura Rosenberger, that played during the dinner, she said, “The opportunity for you to engage with thought leaders, the diaspora’s community and state and local leaders is invaluable, and I know will contribute to further strengthening the rock solid US-Taiwan partnership.”
Officially, the U.S. doesn’t recognize Taiwan diplomatically, although it remains its biggest arms supplier. The recent arms sale to Taiwan, which included F-16 spare parts and radar systems, valued at $385 million, underscored the U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s defense capabilities and to ensure regional stability.
China’s Response and Escalating Rhetoric
After President Lai’s speech, China responded; as Beijing doesn’t support any international recognition of Taiwan. The foreign minister of China said that it “strongly condemns” the US for Lai’s stopover. Further, it also “lodged serious protests with the US.”
Wu Qian, a spokesperson of the Chinese Defense Ministry, also warned that China would take “resolute and strong measures to defend our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Historic Diplomatic Reception in Hawaii
The recent stopover marks a historic moment. President Lai was met with red carpet treatment, flower garlands, and classic Hawaiian hospitality, as he toured around Hawaii dressed in a casual Hawaiian shirt. The two-day visit includes touring significant sites such as the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and a Pacific Island history museum.
Promoting Democracy and Regional Cooperation
As he departed the Aloha State, President Lai remarked that the tour would serve as a step forward in a “new era of values-based democracy.” Emphasizing the importance of partnership rooted in democracy, peace, and prosperity, President Lai expressed gratitude to the U.S. for support in facilitating the trip. Next, he will meet up with leaders of the Pacific Island nations, allies who officially recognize Taiwan’s statehood. This is a strategic move to reinforce Taiwan’s diplomacy in the region.
Geopolitical Implications
The geopolitical implications of this week-long Pacific tour are multifaceted, as it comes at a time when there are undercurrents in the Indo-Pacific region. While U.S. interest aligns with Taiwan’s, China remains adamant in its opposition to any form of official diplomatic recognition of Taiwan. China has viewed the recent stopover in Hawaii as a provocation.
