On December 1, 2024, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te commenced his two-day visit to the United States, marking his first official trip since taking office in May. The visit has drawn sharp criticism from China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes any international recognition of its sovereignty.
Upon arrival at Honolulu International Airport, Lai received a warm welcome from American Institute in Taiwan official Ingrid Larson and Hawaii Governor Josh Green, among others. According to Taipei's Presidential Office, this reception was notable as it was the first instance where a Taiwanese head of state was greeted on the tarmac with red carpet treatment.
While no high-ranking US officials were present at the airport, supporters of Lai welcomed him with cheers in Mandarin and waved Taiwanese flags at his hotel. During his visit, Lai toured the Bishop Museum, where he was presented with a lei hulu, or feather garland, by the museum's CEO, Dee Jay Mailer. In exchange, Lai gifted traditional decorative pieces made by Taiwan's Indigenous peoples.
Lai's itinerary includes a stop in Guam before proceeding to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, which are among the few Pacific nations that recognize Taiwan. In response to Lai's visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the trip, labeling it as 'separatist actions.'