Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will embark on a diplomatic tour of the Pacific at the end of November, visiting the island’s three remaining allies in the region: Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu.
Lai’s office announced the itinerary on Friday, confirming visits to the three nations, which are among the 12 countries worldwide that maintain formal ties with Taiwan. The trip begins on Nov. 30, with Lai scheduled to arrive in the Marshall Islands on Dec. 3. Details about Lai’s activities in the intervening days were not disclosed, sparking speculation about potential transit stops in the United States.
U.S. Stopovers Under Wraps
Reports suggest Lai may transit through Hawaii and possibly Guam, both significant locations in U.S. strategy for the Indo-Pacific. However, final confirmation is expected shortly before Lai’s departure.
While Taiwanese presidents traditionally use trips to allied nations to make unofficial stopovers in the U.S., officials declined to confirm details about Lai’s transit plans. Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang told reporters that arrangements were still being finalized, emphasizing that the stops would prioritize “safety, dignity, convenience, and comfort.”
China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes its leaders visiting foreign countries, has not commented on Lai’s plans. Beijing has previously responded to such trips with military manoeuvres, including live-fire exercises around Taiwan following stopovers by high-ranking Taiwanese officials in the U.S.
Strengthening Pacific Ties
The Pacific visit underscores Taiwan’s efforts to fortify its alliances as China competes with the U.S. for influence in the region. In January, Nauru severed ties with Taiwan in favour of Beijing, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic tug-of-war.
Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu expressed their support for Lai’s visit on Friday. “As a long-term partner and good friend of the Marshall Islands, we look forward to the warm welcome of President Lai,” Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine’s office stated on social media.
China-Taiwan Rivalry Intensifies
Lai’s trip comes against the backdrop of heightened military activities by China around Taiwan. Beijing has conducted repeated war games in the past year, labeling them as warnings against “separatist acts.”
Taiwan’s government rejects China’s sovereignty claims and maintains its right to engage diplomatically with other nations. “We won’t dance to their tune,” Deputy Foreign Minister Tien declared. “We will do what we have to do and what we plan.”
Lai’s Pacific tour mirrors previous visits by Taiwanese leaders, such as former President Tsai Ing-wen, who used U.S. stopovers to bolster ties with American politicians and deliver speeches. However, these trips have consistently drawn Beijing’s ire, resulting in escalated military posturing.
(With inputs from Reuters)
