Guam, U.S. – Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) made history on Thursday with a significant phone call to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, marking their first direct conversation since Lai took office in May 2024. The call took place during Lai’s stopover in Guam as part of a weeklong diplomatic tour through the South Pacific region, which includes visits to Pacific allies like Tuvalu, Hawaii, and the Marshall Islands.
Key Diplomatic Conversations with U.S. Lawmakers
The phone call, which took place on Thursday morning, was described by Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) as an important step in strengthening ties between Taiwan and the United States. The President’s conversations in Guam also included a call with Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and a video conference with Republican Senator Roger Wicker, both of whom reiterated their support for Taiwan and its democratic values.
During the call with Speaker Johnson, the U.S. House Speaker reaffirmed the American Congress’s unwavering support for Taiwan’s democratic sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of continued U.S.-Taiwan relations amid the growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. Johnson noted that Congress has been passing various bills aimed at strengthening U.S. defense support for Taiwan and countering China’s regional aggression.
Lai’s Commitment to Taiwan’s Defense and Resilience
In his discussions with Senator Roger Wicker, Lai underscored Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense and its ongoing efforts to enhance its defense capabilities in response to increasing military threats from China. Wicker, who will take over as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee next year, praised Taiwan’s focus on self-defense, vowing continued support for Taiwan’s security. He noted that Taiwan’s military readiness is critical to regional stability and praised the island’s ongoing defense reforms.
President Lai’s visit to Guam is part of a broader diplomatic outreach to strengthen Taiwan’s global partnerships and to underscore the country’s key role in safeguarding democratic values in the Indo-Pacific. Lai’s stop in Guam was also historic for another reason: He became the first Taiwanese President to visit Guam’s Legislature, further enhancing Taiwan’s diplomatic presence in the region.
Taiwan and Guam’s Strong Ties
While in Guam, Lai met with Legislative Speaker Therese M. Terlaje, who welcomed the Taiwanese President with a resolution passed by the legislature. The resolution recognized Taiwan’s long-standing contributions to Guam’s economy, healthcare, and educational exchanges. Terlaje described the connection between Taiwan and Guam as one of “shared values of democracy and freedom.”
Lai, in his remarks, referred to Taiwan and Guam as “family members” bound by mutual respect for democracy, freedom, and human rights. He reiterated that both Taiwan and Guam would continue to work together to maintain stability and defend freedom in the region.
The South Pacific Tour and Future Cooperation
Following his visit to Guam, President Lai continued his tour with stops in Palau, the final leg of his journey, which has already included visits to Hawaii and the Marshall Islands. Lai’s first overseas trip as president, which concludes on Friday, reflects Taiwan’s growing diplomatic engagement in the Pacific and beyond. During a stopover in Hawaii on December 1, Lai had a brief 20-minute phone call with former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, known for her pivotal visit to Taiwan in 2022.
President Lai’s trip highlights Taiwan’s increasing role in regional diplomacy, strengthening ties with key allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Table: Summary of Key Diplomatic Engagements During President Lai’s South Pacific Tour
| Date | Event | Location | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2024 | Phone Call with Nancy Pelosi | Hawaii | Discussed Taiwan-U.S. relations post-Pelosi’s 2022 visit |
| Dec 4, 2024 | Meeting with Guam Legislative Speaker | Guam | Historic visit; resolution passed in Taiwan’s honor |
| Dec 5, 2024 | Phone Call with Speaker Mike Johnson | Guam | Focused on strengthening U.S.-Taiwan relations, defense collaboration |
| Dec 5, 2024 | Video Conference with Senator Roger Wicker | Guam | Discussed Taiwan’s defense readiness, U.S. support |
| Dec 5-6, 2024 | Final leg of tour in Palau | Palau | Continuing diplomatic outreach in the Pacific |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the purpose of President Lai’s phone call with Speaker Mike Johnson?
President Lai’s phone call with Speaker Johnson was a significant diplomatic exchange, marking the first direct conversation between the two leaders. The call underscored the U.S. Congress’s bipartisan support for Taiwan’s democracy and its defense needs amid growing threats from China.
2. What other significant meetings did President Lai have during his stop in Guam?
Aside from speaking with Speaker Johnson, President Lai also had conversations with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Roger Wicker, where they discussed Taiwan’s defense, U.S. support for Taiwan, and regional security issues.
3. What is the significance of President Lai’s visit to Guam’s Legislature?
Lai’s visit to Guam’s Legislature is historic as it marks the first time a Taiwanese president has visited the lawmaking body of the U.S. territory. The visit further strengthens Taiwan-Guam relations and highlights shared democratic values.
4. What is the goal of President Lai’s South Pacific tour?
The tour aims to enhance Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships with Pacific allies and partners, reaffirm Taiwan’s commitment to regional stability, and build stronger defense and economic ties with key countries.
5. How does Taiwan plan to strengthen its defense capabilities?
Taiwan is committed to enhancing its military readiness through defense reforms and international cooperation, ensuring its self-defense capabilities in response to external threats, particularly from China.
