Taiwan is a key force in promoting peace and stability in the world, said President Lai Ching-te as he left for Hawaii this Saturday (30), thanking the United States for allowing the trip.
China, which views the democratically governed island as its own territory, has been increasing military pressure against Taiwan, including two military exercises this year.
Sources told the Reuters news agency that more exercises may be carried out during Lai’s trip across the Pacific, which includes stops in Hawaii and Guam, a US territory – both places are home to the country’s main military bases.
Speaking to reporters at Taiwan’s main international airport outside Taipei, Lai said: “Thank you to the US government for upholding the principles of safety, dignity, comfort and convenience to help the smooth process of this trip.”
The president will stay in Hawaii for the first two nights. After that, he will go to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, three of the 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan and a part of the world where China has been exerting an increasingly strong influence.
Taiwanese presidents often make official stops in the United States to meet American politicians and give speeches.
These stops usually take place during visits to distant allies in the Pacific, Latin America or the Caribbean.
“This trip is the beginning of a new era of values-based diplomacy. Democracy, prosperity and peace are the expectations of the people of Taiwan and are also the values that I, as president, must actively promote”, highlighted Lai Ching-te.
“I will continue to expand cooperation and deepen our partnership with our allies and friends based on the values of democracy, peace and prosperity, so that the world can see that Taiwan is not only a model of democracy, but also a key force in promoting global peace, stability and prosperity,” he added.
Possible arms sales
Just hours before Lai’s departure, the United States announced a new arms sales package to Taiwan, comprising spare parts for F-16 jets and radars for around US$385 million.
On Friday (29), China asked the United States to exercise “maximum caution” in its relations with Taiwan.
The US State Department stressed that it saw no justification for what it called President Lai’s private, routine and unofficial transit being used as a pretext for provocation.
This is Lai’s first trip abroad since taking office in May.
Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and says it has the right to engage with the world and for its leaders to travel abroad.
This content was originally published in Taiwan is a force for global peace, says president after the US approves possible arms sales on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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