Taiwan President Lai to Visit Pacific Allies, US Stops Unclear

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te will visit Pacific allies Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu at the end of the month. Details of any U.S. stopovers, typically included in such trips, remain unclear.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te is set to visit the island's three remaining diplomatic allies in the Pacific at the end of this month, according to his office. However, the government has not provided details regarding potential stopovers in the United States during his trip.

Typically, Taiwanese presidents make stopovers in the US, Taiwan's most significant international ally and arms supplier, which often provokes Beijing’s ire. Over the past two years, China has staged military drills around Taiwan after presidential or vice-presidential visits to the US.

Reports indicate that Lai may visit Hawaii and possibly Guam during his trip. When asked about the details of these stopovers, Deputy Taiwan Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang said they were still being planned and would be announced "at an appropriate time." He added that the trips would prioritize safety, dignity, convenience, and comfort.

Lai’s visit to the Pacific allies will take place from November 30, and he is scheduled to arrive in the Marshall Islands on December 3, though his activities in the intervening period remain undisclosed.

Taiwan has formal diplomatic relations with just 12 countries, three of which are in the Pacific—Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu. China has been actively working to reduce Taiwan’s diplomatic ties in the region, with Nauru switching its allegiance to Beijing earlier this year.

China has also ramped up military activity near Taiwan in recent years, particularly following visits by Taiwanese leaders to the US In May, after Lai’s inauguration, China conducted military drills as a warning against "separatist acts." Taiwan maintains its sovereignty and defends its right to engage with other nations and for its leaders to travel abroad.

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