We have to “fight together to prevent war,” Taiwan’s Lai says in US – Manila Standard
Honolulu, United States — Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te emphasized the need for collective efforts to avert conflict during his visit to the United States on Saturday as he commenced a week-long tour of the Pacific, stirring strong reactions from Beijing.
Taiwan remains under the constant threat of military aggression from China, which views the island as part of its territory. China regularly conducts flights and deploys naval forces in the area to assert its claims.
Washington stands as Taipei’s most vital ally and principal supplier of arms; however, it maintains “strategic ambiguity” regarding military intervention to defend the island against Chinese hostilities.
Speaking at a dinner event in Hawaii, Lai stated, “There are no winners from conflict, and we have to fight, fight together to prevent war.”
Earlier, he received a standing ovation as he walked down a red carpet upon arrival for the event, which hosted US government officials, state politicians, members of Congress, and Taiwanese expatriates.
Lai claimed that the US and Hawaii state flags presented to him symbolized the long-standing friendship between Taiwan and the United States, forming a basis for future cooperation.
During the dinner, the chairperson of the American Institute in Taiwan, the entity that operates as the de facto US embassy, remarked on the “rock solid” partnership between Washington and Taipei.
“Engaging with thought leaders, the diaspora community, and state and local leaders is invaluable and will contribute to further strengthening the rock-solid US-Taiwan partnership,” Laura Rosenberger stated in a pre-recorded video shown at the dinner.
Like many countries, the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan but maintains close unofficial relationships with it.
China strongly opposes any international acknowledgment of Taiwan’s sovereignty and reacts firmly against official engagements between Taiwan and the US.
In a statement, China’s foreign ministry expressed strong condemnation of the United States for allowing Lai’s visit and indicated that it had lodged serious protests with US authorities.
Furthermore, the ministry declared that “China will closely follow the developments and take resolute and strong measures to defend our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Traveling abroad for the first time since his inauguration in May, Lai was greeted with red carpets, flower garlands, and warm welcomes as he commenced his two-day stopover in Hawaii.
Wearing a Hawaiian shirt, Lai explored several sites, including a Pacific island history museum, an emergency management center, and the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
Upon his arrival, local officials reportedly provided Lai with the “red carpet treatment” at Honolulu’s international airport, marking a historic welcome for a Taiwanese president.
He was welcomed by Ingrid Larson, the managing director of the AIT in Washington, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, and other dignitaries.
Previously, Taiwanese officials have occasionally stopped over in the US during trips to the Pacific or Latin America, provoking China, which occasionally conducts military exercises in response.
‘We are all Team Taiwan’
Following his time in Hawaii, Lai is set to visit Taiwan’s allies including the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, which are among the 12 nations formally recognizing Taiwan’s claim to statehood, as well as making a stopover in Guam.
Shortly before his departure from Taipei, Lai noted that his trip “ushers in a new era of values-based democracy” and expressed gratitude to the US government for facilitating a smooth journey.
He also mentioned his desire to “continue to expand cooperation and deepen partnerships with our allies based on the values of democracy, peace, and prosperity.”
“I once again emphasize that we are all Team Taiwan. We all work together, and we can successfully achieve our goals,” Lai told reporters who accompanied him on the flight.
In response to news of Lai’s trip, a Chinese defense ministry spokesperson stated a firm opposition to any form of official interaction with Taiwan and pledged to “resolutely crush” any attempts at Taiwanese independence.
Lai’s visit follows recent US approvals for a weapons deal with Taiwan, which includes spare parts for F-16s and radar systems, valued at approximately $385 million.
As Lai embarks on this significant journey, it coincides with the upcoming inauguration of Republican US President-elect Donald Trump, who raised concerns during his campaign by suggesting that Taiwan should financially contribute to its own defense.
