As part of a Pacific tour of diplomatic allies, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te landed on Tuesday for an official visit to the Marshall Islands, claiming it was his first trip since assuming office in May.
China has been increasing military pressure on Taiwan, including two rounds of war simulations this year, because it considers the island to be its own territory and opposes any outside contacts or visits by the island’s authorities.
When Lai arrived at Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, he said that the indigenous people of Taiwan shared a culture with the earliest settlers from the Pacific Islands.
He added in livestreamed remarks during his meeting with President Hilda Heine that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share a traditional Austronesian culture along with the principles of democracy and freedom.
We resemble family. He went on to say, “We are also close partners who support each other.”
Before Han settlers from China came to Taiwan in the 17th century, Austronesian tribes had been cultivating the island for thousands of years.
Heine said the Pacific Island nation, which has a defense and financial agreement with the United States and receives substantial money from Taiwan for infrastructure and climate change programs, will strengthen its relationship.
“We hold your government and people in the highest regard,” she remarked.
“Your state visit also represents a mature bilateral relationship that has endured over time and that I am sure will continue to develop,” she continued.
In a subsequent speech to Parliament, Lai proposed funding to help the national airline modernize its outdated fleet.
According to him, Taiwan will be pleased to offer the Marshall Islands advantageous financing so that Air Marshall Islands may buy new planes and enhance local air services.
Saturday marked the beginning of Lai’s two-day U.S. layover in Hawaii.
He travels briefly from the Marshall Islands to Tuvalu, then spends a night on the American island of Guam before continuing on to Palau.
Late on Friday, Lai returns to Taipei.
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