Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Guam has sparked both excitement and concern among the island’s residents, who are grappling with the implications of his country’s growing diplomatic ties with the US.

Lai Arrives in Guam Amid Tensions

President Lai arrived in Guam on Wednesday, where he was greeted by a large crowd of Taiwanese community members at the Hyatt Regency Hotel lobby. The visit came amidst heightened tensions between the US and China, which have been increasingly aggressive towards each other in recent months.

Local Perspectives on Geopolitical Tensions After Lai’s Visit

Lai’s visit to Guam raised concerns about the US territory being targeted amid, US-China tensions, for attorney Happy Rons. But for other Guam residents, heightened geopolitical tensions are nothing new.

“I don’t think this visit bolsters the already existing geopolitical tensions in the region, as they’re already there and will remain, for quite a while,” said Guam-based meteorologist, Landon Aydlett.

“But it will likely increase some of the heavy-handed rhetoric against the United States in these uncertain times. I hope this visit highlights the beauty of our islands, and also the region, with hopes of bolstering tourism to our islands.”

Siobhon Rumurang McManus added: “I think both of them are imperial countries that are seeking to project power into the Pacific.”

Despite the tense geopolitical environment, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (CNMI) Governor Arnold Palacios assured an enduring relationship between Taiwan and the Marianas during a luncheon held before Lai’s departure.

“We share a distinct common value with Taiwan, and that is democracy, friendship, cultural similarities,” Palacios said.

“And we continue to support Taiwan in making sure that our democracies across the region continue and endure forever.”

Throughout his Pacific trip, Lai has emphasized the importance of democracy and Taiwan’s partnerships with the United States and its allies.

“Democracy has given us a good way of life, and our life is diverse,” Lai said during his final speech in Guam.

“We have the precious freedom and creativity that allows Taiwan to develop its economy, and also, our shared values, including democracy, have allowed Taiwan to make friends with Guam, Hawaii, the United States and the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu, and any other democratic country in the world.”

He added that Taiwan went through a “dark time” of authoritarian rule but is now a “beacon of democracy” in Asia.

“Let us make a joint commitment to continuing to deepen democracy and protect democracy; and let us not bow down to authoritarian regimes. How about that?” said Lai, to applause from the luncheon ballroom at the Hyatt.

Lai’s trip concluded in Palau, where he met with President Surangel Whipps Jr and his cabinet to discuss bilateral cooperative projects and regional matters.

Lai also led a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of Palau’s One-Stop Shop, a facility consolidating essential government services under one roof.