Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, on Thursday, called for collaboration between Taiwan and Guam to safeguard freedom and democracy in the region during his visit to the American territory.
Guam marked Lai’s second stop in the United States as part of his ongoing tour of the Pacific islands, following a visit to Hawaii the previous weekend. China’s authoritarian government claims Taiwan as its territory and insists that the self-governing island must eventually come under its control.
In his address to Guam’s legislature, Lai highlighted the shared values and strategic significance of Taiwan and Guam within the Indo-Pacific region, stating, “Let us together become the crucial force in defending freedom, democracy in the first island chain,” referring to a series of islands off the Asian continent, including Japan, Taiwan, and parts of the Philippines.
The legislature passed a resolution welcoming Lai and acknowledging Taiwan’s “significant contributions to Guam’s economy and community,” according to Speaker Therese Terlaje. Lai called for enhanced cooperation with Guam, identifying aquaculture, hydroponic agriculture, construction projects, and alternative energy as potential areas for partnership.
