Taipei [Taiwan], November 29: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te is set to make stopovers in the US state of Hawaii and Guam, a US territory, during his first overseas trip to the allies of the self-governing democracy, the state-run Central News Agency reported on Thursday.
According to CNA, during Lai's visit to Taiwan's South Pacific allies - including the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau - from Saturday to December 6, he will arrive in Hawaii on Saturday for a two-night stay and in Guam on December 4 for a one-night stopover.
According to a source in Lai's office who declined to be named, the transit is handled based on the longstanding friendly interactions between Taiwan and the United States, following established protocols and adhering to the principles of safety, dignity, convenience and comfort. "We extend our gratitude to the US for its assistance in various aspects during this visit," the source said in a text message to dpa.
In Beijing on Thursday, China expressed its opposition to the trip.
"Lai Ching-te's administration's attempts to engage in political manipulation and provocations for independence by visiting so-called diplomatic allies will not succeed," Chinese Foreign Office spokeswoman Mao Ning said. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
