Taiwan President Visiting US Says "No Winners in War"... China "Protests to US Government"

First Overseas Tour Includes Stopover in Hawaii
Sets Foot on U.S. Soil for the First Time Since Inauguration

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴淸德) arrived in Hawaii, USA, a transit point, on the 30th of last month ahead of his first overseas trip since taking office in May, according to Taiwan Central News Agency. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong opposition, stating, "We firmly oppose the visit of the Taiwan leader to the United States."

Yonhap News

According to the Central News Agency, President Lai, embarking on a 6-night, 7-day tour of diplomatic allies the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, arrived at Honolulu Airport in Hawaii on that day. Although it was a transit stop, this marked the first time President Lai set foot on U.S. soil in Hawaii since his inauguration.

At the airport, Ingrid Larson, Executive Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), welcomed President Lai, and the media reported that he received the highest level of courtesy, including a red carpet laid out on the runway. Before departing on his tour, President Lai said in a speech, "This will be an opportunity to let the world know that Taiwan is a key driving force for global prosperity and development."

According to foreign media such as AFP, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of peace in his speech, stating, "There are no winners in war."

In the speech broadcast live on Taiwanese television, President Lai said in English, "Today, our visit to the (war) memorial especially reminds us of the importance of guaranteeing peace," adding, "Peace is priceless, and there are no winners in war. We must fight together to prevent war."

In response, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a separate spokesperson statement on the 1st, saying, "We have lodged a solemn protest with the U.S. government for allowing Lai Ching-te's transit in Hawaii." It further warned, "We are closely monitoring this situation and will take resolute and effective measures."

The statement also criticized the U.S. administration's approval of a $385 million (approximately 540 billion KRW) arms sale to Taiwan on the 29th of last month, the day before President Lai's trip, calling it "an act that seriously infringes upon China's sovereignty and security interests."