Lai yesterday made a two-day stopover in Honolulu on the way to a state visit to three Pacific allies. He is expected to transit through Guam on Wednesday on his return to Taiwan. The seven-day trip to the South Pacific is Lai’s first official overseas visit since assuming office in May.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s brief stop in Hawaii may have appeared understated – no formal US reception, no grand speeches – but its implications extend far beyond floral wreaths and banquets.

By Angie Teo, Ann Wang and David Brunnstrom (Reuters) -Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te began a U.S. stopover in Hawaii on Saturday as part of a Pacific tour after declaring his democratically governed island a key force for promoting global peace and stability.