Taiwan President Lai Ching-te delivers public remarks on 5 December, alongside Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. Photo: Naina Rao/KPRG News
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te received a warm welcome in Guam on Wednesday, during a Pacific tour aimed at reinforcing diplomatic ties with key allies.
His visit to the US territory comes as tensions between Taipei and Beijing continue.
Lai arrived at Guam's Hyatt Regency Hotel late Wednesday night, where he was greeted by cheering community members. Wearing a floral shirt, Lai met with supporters eager to connect.
Guam marked the fourth of five stops on Lai's week-long journey, which includes visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau - three of the nations that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
These alliances are increasingly vital as Beijing intensifies its global pressure campaign to isolate Taiwan.
Lai's tour has also drawn sharp criticism from China, particularly for his transit stops on US soil in Hawaii and Guam. Beijing claims these visits violate the "One China" policy, which acknowledges Beijing as the sole government of China.
However, the US has dismissed these claims, emphasizing that such transit stops are unofficial and routine.
Lai said during remarks in Guam: "In the face of authoritarian expansionism, all like-minded countries and areas must unite and collaborate to safeguard democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region."
On Thursday morning, Lai joined Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero for a public appearance. The two leaders underscored shared democratic values and mutual interests.
"Guam and Taiwan are both situated in the first island chain," Lai said through a translator. "Moving forward, we must work closer together and stand side-by-side to safeguard and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region."
During the event, Leon Guerrero announced the resumption of direct flights between Taipei and Guam via United Airlines next year, adding to routes already offered by Taiwan's China Airlines.
Lai expressed hope that these developments would increase Taiwanese tourism to the island.
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
Leon Guerrero acknowledged Taiwan's help during the pandemic, with the donation of 200,000 face masks to Guam. In turn, Lai thanked the governor for re-opening the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Guam, back in 2020.
"Our collaboration extends beyond economies to addressing pressing global challenges," Leon Guerrero said.
"Both Guam and Taiwan are on the front lines of issues such as climate change and public health. By working together, we can innovate and lead efforts to secure a sustainable future for the Indo-Pacific region."
Local perspectives on geopolitical tensions after Lai's visit
Lai's visit to Guam raised concerns about the US territory being targeted amid, US-China tensions, for attorney Happy Rons. But for other Guam residents, heightened geopolitical tensions are nothing new.
"I don't think this visit bolsters the already existing geopolitical tensions in the region, as they're already there and will remain, for quite a while," said Guam-based meteorologist, Landon Aydlett.
"But it will likely increase some of the heavy-handed rhetoric against the United States in these uncertain times. I hope this visit highlights the beauty of our islands, and also the region, with hopes of bolstering tourism to our islands."
Siobhon Rumurang McManus added: "I think both of them are imperial countries that are seeking to project power into the Pacific."
Despite the tense geopolitical environment, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (CNMI) Governor Arnold Palacios assured an enduring relationship between Taiwan and the Marianas during a luncheon held before Lai's departure.
"We share a distinct common value with Taiwan, and that is democracy, friendship, cultural similarities," Palacios said.
"And we continue to support Taiwan in making sure that our democracies across the region continue and endure forever."
Throughout his Pacific trip, Lai has emphasized the importance of democracy and Taiwan's partnerships with the United States and its allies.
"Democracy has given us a good way of life, and our life is diverse," Lai said during his final speech in Guam.
"We have the precious freedom and creativity that allows Taiwan to develop its economy, and also, our shared values, including democracy, have allowed Taiwan to make friends with Guam, Hawaii, the United States and the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu, and any other democratic country in the world."
He added that Taiwan went through a "dark time" of authoritarian rule but is now a "beacon of democracy" in Asia.
"Let us make a joint commitment to continuing to deepen democracy and protect democracy; and let us not bow down to authoritarian regimes. How about that?" said Lai, to applause from the luncheon ballroom at the Hyatt.
Lai's trip concluded in Palau, where he met with President Surangel Whipps Jr and his cabinet to discuss bilateral cooperative projects and regional matters.
Lai also led a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of Palau's One-Stop Shop, a facility consolidating essential government services under one roof.
