Taiwan (Republic of China) President Lai Ching-te is greeted by the Taiwanese community in Guam at Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby shortly after his arrival on Wednesday, 4 December 2024. Photo: Supplied / Mark Rabago
There is no problem with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te visiting Hawaii, Guam, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau as tensions between the United States and China continue to brew, according to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) delegate to the US Congressman Gregorio Sablan.
"Look, Taiwan's president is visiting countries in the region that support Taiwan. I don't find anything wrong with that. The United States is part of that. We support Taiwan," he said.
Before heading to Guam, Lai already visited Hawaii, Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu, and also has plans to a make a final stopover to Palau.
Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, and Palau are three Pacific Island countries that are among 12 other governments that recognise Taiwan diplomatically.
"Taiwan's three allies and US stops we are making stopovers share the same universal values with Taiwan which is democracy, freedom, and human rights," Lai said while addressing CNMI and Guam stakeholders during a luncheon at the Grand Hyatt Guam.
"We are all partners working together to contribute to the peace and stability of the world. That is why every person I have met during the trip whether it was a handshake or a hug, we encouraged each other I felt deeply connected to them," he said.
Taiwan (Republic of China) President Lai Ching-te in Tuvalu. 4 December 2024 Photo: X / @Simon_Kofe
Lai added visiting the Marianas, as well as Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshalls, in a way, also reconnects Taiwan to their fellow Austronesian brethren in the Pacific.
"This is my first official overseas trip since my inauguration on May 20, we are making a trip to our diplomatic allies.
"The three Pacific allies we're visiting and the places we are making stopovers at share the same Austronesian roots with Taiwan, so we are one big family. Everywhere I go during this trip, I feel deeply connected to the local people."
CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios, who flew to Guam to attend the luncheon along with members of the CNMI Leguislature, expressed his gratitude that he was invited to join the historic occasion.
"It is indeed an honor for us to join Governor Lou Guerrero in honoring President Lai to the Mariana Islands. We share a distinct identity with the people of Guam with the only difference being politically," he said.
"But we are all Americans. We share a distinct common value with Taiwan. That is democracy, friendship, cultural similarities, changes and we look forward to an enduring relationship despite the geopolitical environment we now live in. We continue to support Taiwan in making sure that our democracy across the region continues and endures."
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te delivers public remarks on 5 December, alongside Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. Photo: Naina Rao/KPRG News
Leon Guerrero said the theme of Lai's Pacific trip, "Smart and Sustainable Developments for a Prosperous Austronesian Region," is one that deeply aligns with the goals and vision of her own people."
"Like you, we recognise the importance of innovations and sustainability as key drivers of prosperity, particularly for island nations whose livelihoods are intertwined with the health of our environment and the strength of our communities.
She said as small islands navigating a vast and complex world, "our strength lies in unity."
"Like a school of fish moving in synchronized harmony, we are more resilient and agile when we work together. Together we can overcome challenges and seize opportunities propelling our region toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.
"As leaders, we are entrusted with the responsibility to uplift our people. To provide quality of life to our people, to empower our communities and ensure that progress is inclusive and enduring," she said.
During the Guam luncheon, the CNMI Legislature also handed Lai a commemorative Senate and House resolution.
It read that Lai has been a steadfast advocate for peace, stability, and democracy in the Indo-Pacific region, and a champion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and his strong advocacy for democratic values and human rights aligns with the CNMI's own commitment to these principles.
"The CNMI and Taiwan share a deep and enduring friendship built on shared values of democracy, freedom, and economic prosperity and the CNMI recognizes the important role that Taiwan plays in the global economy, particularly in the areas of technology. manufacturing. and healthcare," the resolution stated.
It added that the CNMI reaffirms her strong support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCO).
