Taiwan's Lai Ching-te Meets Pelosi in Hawaii

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te engaged in a significant 20-minute phone call with former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during his stopover in Hawaii, discussing critical issues including China's military threats, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. Pelosi congratulated Lai on his recent electoral victory and emphasized Taiwan's essential role in regional security and the global economy. The call was characterized as warm and cordial, with Pelosi expressing bipartisan support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO. Lai's Pacific trip, which includes stops in the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, comes amid criticism from China, which opposes any transit by Taiwanese leaders on U.S. territory. This visit underscores the United States' unwavering support for Taiwan despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, especially in light of potential military drills by China during Lai's travels. Lai's discussions reflect Taiwan's ongoing diplomatic efforts and strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region.