China’s reaction to Lai’s visit was predictably fierce. Attacking Taiwan is part of China’s broader political agenda.”Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te is presented with a gift from Hawaii Governor Josh Green at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency in Honolulu, Hawaii, on November 30, 2024. “We have to assume the worst is yet to come.”US-Taiwan tiesLai’s Hawaii visit comes at a critical juncture in US-Taiwan relations. Before departing Taiwan, Lai emphasized shared democratic values in global partnerships. Lai’s trip, including his quietly significant Hawaii stop, highlights Taiwan’s ongoing fight for recognition and sovereignty as a frontline democracy confronting authoritarian pressure.

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Persons: Lai Ching, – Lai, Lai, Lai’s, “, Kolas, Tsai Ing, ” Yotaka, “ They’re, Josh Green, Ronen Zilberman, Donald Trump, Trump’s, ”, Yotaka, Eric Cheung Organizations: CNN, Taiwan, Palau –, Taiwan Affairs Office, Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Getty, Marshall Locations: Hawaii, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Palau, Beijing, Taiwan, Guam, China, Honolulu , Hawaii, AFP, California, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, United States