Taiwan President Lai Visits Pacific Allies

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te will embark on a diplomatic tour from November 30 to December 6, visiting the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, as part of efforts to strengthen Taiwan's alliances amid increasing Chinese influence in the South Pacific. This trip marks Lai's first overseas visit since taking office and comes as Taiwan's formal diplomatic allies have dwindled from 22 to just 12 due to China's aggressive push for diplomatic ties through loans and security agreements. The U.S., Australia, and New Zealand have expressed concern over China's expanding military and political sway in the region. Lai's visit may include a controversial stopover in Hawaii, which could provoke further tensions with Beijing. Taiwan's National Security Bureau has already sent officials to the region to bolster security cooperation and address concerns over cyber threats from China. As Taiwan seeks to maintain its diplomatic relationships, it continues to assert its international presence despite the pressures it faces.