Taiwan's President Lai Ching-Te: Significant stopover in Hawaii

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-Te: Significant stopover in Hawaii

The short stop of the Taiwanese President Lai Ching-Te in Hawaii may have appeared inconspicuously-without official reception ceremony in the USA and without much speeches-but the effects extend far beyond flower containers and fixed sheets.

a sign of diplomatic resilience

on his way to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau - three of the last diplomatic allies Taiwan - Lai used the visit to underline Taiwan's diplomatic resilience in view of the increasing pressure from Beijing. This also happens against the background of impending changes in the US leadership.

First transit via US floor

lai will spend two nights in Hawaii and one night in the US territory Guam-his first transit over US floor since taking office in May, as the Presidential Office in Taipei said. Although as not officer transit was observed, especially by China, which Lai’s visits Condemations and could react with military exercises near Taiwan. This was more than just a stopover; It confirmed Taiwan's partnerships with the USA and other democracies - alliances that try to undermine Beijing.

reaction China to the visit

China's reaction to Lai's visit was predictably violent. A spokesman for the Taiwanese office for matters perceived it as a "provocative act" and insisted that the efforts for Taiwan's independence were "doomed to fail". On Sunday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "every form of US approval or support for separatists of the 'Taiwan independence'" decidedly rejected and lodged serious protests towards the USA.

china’s global agenda

According to Kolas Yotaka, a former spokeswoman for Lai and his predecessor Tsai Ing-Wen, such reactions are routine. "China's pressure on Taiwan has increased," Kolas told CNN. "They not only aim at Taiwan - they are directed against democratic institutions worldwide. The attack on Taiwan is part of China's extensive political agenda."

expectations of military exercises

The Taiwanese security authorities fear that Beijing-which claims the self-managed island as a separate territory-will use Lai's visit as an excuse for military exercises near Taiwan, possibly under the code name "Joint sword-2024c". Such maneuvers, often accompanied by propaganda campaigns, are a common tactic. Beijing has staged similar power demonstrations after top-class interactions between Taiwan and the USA, including the visit of the former President Tsai Ing-Wen in California last year.

US-TAIWAN relationships in change

The visit of Lai in Hawaii takes place at a critical time in the US-Taiwan relationships. While the United States is preparing for a second term of Donald Trump, Taiwan's managers face considerable uncertainties. While Trump's first term brought an increase in weapons business with Taiwan, his current statements that Taiwan should "pay for his defense" indicate a transactional approach.

criticism and defense of the alliances

Taiwan is already investing considerably in his defense by flowing billions of dollars into US-produced weapons. In contrast to Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, Taiwan is not protected by a mutual defense pact with the United States. Before his departure from Taiwan, Lai emphasized the common democratic values in global partnerships: "I would like to use the values of democracy, peace and prosperity to expand our cooperation with allies and to show the world that Taiwan is not only a model for democracy, but also an essential strength for peace and stability."

The importance of smaller nations

Some critics question the value of Taiwan's relationships with small Pacific nations, but Kolas vehemently contradicts. "If a country is dismissed as small and insignificant, Taiwan could also be dismissed," she said. "These relationships are not only symbolic - they are crucial for Taiwan's security." Alliances with nations such as the Marshall Islands and Palau may not have the weighting of larger powers, but offer platforms for commitment and strengthening Taiwan's global presence.

Taiwan's struggle for recognition and sovereignty

Lai's journey, including his still significant stop in Hawaii, emphasizes Taiwan's continuous struggle for recognition and sovereignty as a apron democracy that counteracts authoritarian pressure. "No one can save Taiwan," said Kolas. "Only a strong alliance of democracies can make a difference."

Since Beijing increases the pressure and shifts the global power relationship, Taiwan's future depends on his ability to adapt, innovate and mobilize allies. Lai's journey across the Pacific is an attempt to do exactly that - a calculated step in a lengthy, risky geopolitical game.

This report was supported by Eric Cheung of CNN.