Taiwan leader starts Pacific journey while US approves military equipment deal
Taiwanʼs top official begins multi-country Pacific trip with US stopovers in Hawaii and Guam. Just before departure US confirms new F-16 parts package while China expresses strong disagreement
Lai Ching-te started his cross-pacific journey on 11/30‚ making first-ever overseas trip since becoming Taiwans leader last spring. The US allowed two quick-stops in Hawaii and Guam which made China really unhappy
The multi-day tour includes visits to three micro-states (Marshall Islands Tuvalu and Palau) that still keep official friendship with Taiwan. Just hours before Laiʼs take-off‚ Washington confirmed 385-million-dollars military gear deal focusing on F-16 parts
This trip marks beginning of new value-based diplomacy; democracy prosperity and peace are what Taiwan people want
China did two big military drills near Taiwan this year — and security experts think more could happen during Laiʼs tour. Despite this Taiwan keeps working with global partners: “We are not just democracy model but key player in world peace“ Lai explained
The US State Department called this transit private and un-official; however Beijing told Washington to be super-careful with Taiwan stuff. Lai will spend two nights in Hawaii then move to pacific allies and come back next friday
