Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, on Thursday, called for collaboration between Taiwan and Guam to safeguard freedom and democracy in the region during his visit to the American territory.
Guam marked Lai’s second stop in the United States as part of his ongoing tour of the Pacific islands, following a visit to Hawaii the previous weekend. China’s authoritarian government claims Taiwan as its territory and insists that the self-governing island must eventually come under its control.
In his address to Guam’s legislature, Lai highlighted the shared values and strategic significance of Taiwan and Guam within the Indo-Pacific region, stating, “Let us together become the crucial force in defending freedom, democracy in the first island chain,” referring to a series of islands off the Asian continent, including Japan, Taiwan, and parts of the Philippines.
The legislature passed a resolution welcoming Lai and acknowledging Taiwan’s “significant contributions to Guam’s economy and community,” according to Speaker Therese Terlaje. Lai called for enhanced cooperation with Guam, identifying aquaculture, hydroponic agriculture, construction projects, and alternative energy as potential areas for partnership.
China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province, opposes any official interaction between the island’s government and the United States. The US is Taiwan’s primary foreign arms supplier and maintains naval and air force bases in Guam.
Earlier this week, China’s Foreign Ministry stated it “strongly condemned” US support for Lai’s visit to Hawaii and had lodged a complaint with the United States. Lai arrived in Guam on Wednesday night after visiting the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu. His tour’s final destination is Palau. These three Pacific Island nations are among the 12 governments that diplomatically recognise Taiwan. The rest of the world, including the United States, maintains official relations with the Chinese government in Beijing.
Frances Ibiefo
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