Taiwan President Lai Ching-te set off on a pivotal week-long diplomatic mission across the Pacific on Saturday, igniting a strong backlash from Beijing. This marks Lai’s first international trip since assuming office in May, with planned stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, alongside visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau—three of the dwindling number of nations that officially recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, views such actions as provocations undermining its “One China” policy. The trip has spurred sharp warnings from Beijing, which vowed to “resolutely crush” any efforts toward Taiwanese independence.
Taiwan’s President is set to visit three Pacific nations—Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau—that remain steadfast in recognizing Taiwan as an independent state. These nations are part of the 12 allies that have yet to switch allegiance to Beijing, unlike others who were lured by China’s promises of substantial aid and investment.
The trip is a critical effort to bolster ties with these countries while underscoring Taiwan’s international relevance, a sentiment echoed by Bonnie Glaser, a Taiwan-China affairs expert at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
“President Lai’s visit highlights that Taiwan matters,” said Glaser. “It’s a reminder to the world, and especially to Taiwan’s allies, that the island is not isolated and continues to be a significant partner globally.”
Lai’s planned transits through Hawaii and Guam, both U.S. territories, are especially contentious for Beijing. Historically, such stopovers by Taiwanese officials have provoked Chinese outrage, often resulting in military escalations near Taiwan.
China has consistently opposed any engagement between Taiwan and the United States, seeing it as a breach of its sovereignty claims over the island. Washington, however, maintains robust, albeit unofficial, ties with Taipei.
Recently, the United States approved $385 million in arms sales to Taiwan, including spare parts for F-16 fighter jets, radar systems, and communication equipment. These deals further demonstrate Washington’s support for Taiwan amid rising tensions in the region.
The geopolitical friction surrounding Taiwan dates back to 1949 when Chiang Kai-shek’s nationalist forces retreated to the island after losing the Chinese Civil War to Mao Zedong’s communists. Since then, Taiwan has governed itself as a separate entity, though Beijing has never renounced its claims over the island.
China continues to view Taiwan as a breakaway province and has vowed to reunify it, by force if necessary. Taiwanese leaders, however, assert their sovereignty, and the island functions as a democratic nation with its government, military, and constitution.
Taiwan lives under the looming threat of a potential Chinese invasion. Beijing routinely deploys fighter jets, drones, and warships around Taiwan to reinforce its territorial claims. In recent years, these incursions have intensified both in frequency and scale, with many occurring in response to perceived slights, such as U.S.-Taiwan engagements.
The current escalation of rhetoric from Beijing coincides with President Lai’s Pacific tour and his transits through U.S. territories. Analysts suggest that China could launch military drills around Taiwan in response, a tactic it has employed in the past.
Lai’s trip underscores Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to assert its international standing despite Beijing’s attempts to isolate it diplomatically. Experts point to a growing trend of senior Taiwanese officials traveling abroad and receiving international recognition, despite the risk of Chinese retaliation.
This trend reflects not only Taiwan’s resilience but also shifting global perceptions of China’s assertiveness. According to Glaser, there is increasing “safety in numbers” as more countries engage with Taiwan despite Beijing’s objections.
Taiwan’s strategic importance in the global economy, particularly in the semiconductor industry, further amplifies its relevance. As a leading producer of advanced chips, Taiwan plays a critical role in global supply chains.
Moreover, the island has gained international praise for its democratic governance and pandemic response, further enhancing its image on the global stage. These factors have encouraged more countries to support Taiwan, albeit cautiously, to avoid antagonizing China.
China’s foreign ministry has condemned Lai’s trip, warning of “necessary measures” to safeguard its sovereignty. While specifics remain unclear, past responses have included military drills and diplomatic pressure on nations hosting Taiwanese officials.
Taiwan, however, remains undeterred. “This visit is not only about strengthening ties with our allies but also about reaffirming our commitment to democracy and peace,” a Taiwanese government spokesperson said.
The United States plays a crucial role in Taiwan’s security, supplying arms and maintaining close economic ties. Despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, Washington’s commitment to Taiwan’s defense under the Taiwan Relations Act remains steadfast.
President Lai’s stopovers in U.S. territories highlight this unofficial partnership. While these transits are routine, they carry symbolic weight, signaling continued U.S. support for Taiwan amid rising tensions with China.
