Taipei: "War yields no victors, and peace is beyond value," Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te declared during a visit to Hawaii on Saturday, where he honored the fallen at Pearl Harbor. Lai’s remarks came during a delicate two-day stopover in the United States en route to Pacific island nations that maintain formal ties with Taiwan—a trip that has provoked strong opposition from Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory.

Addressing members of the Taiwanese diaspora and Hawaii officials, including U.S. Congress members Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, Lai reflected on his visit to the USS Arizona Memorial earlier in the day, where he laid a wreath to honor victims of the 1941 Japanese attack. "Our time at the memorial reminds us of the paramount importance of preserving peace," Lai said in English, emphasizing, "Peace is invaluable, and war benefits no one. Together, we must work tirelessly to prevent war." His address was broadcast live in Taiwan.

While Lai engaged in his official duties, China expressed strong discontent with the United States, accusing it of facilitating his transit and issuing "stern representations" through its foreign ministry. The Taiwan Affairs Office pledged "resolute countermeasures," particularly against a potential U.S. arms sale to Taiwan announced just as Lai embarked on his journey. Beijing reiterated its firm opposition to any official interactions between Taiwan and the U.S., regardless of the pretext.

Security sources hinted that China might respond to Lai's visit with fresh military exercises near Taiwan, marking his first overseas trip since assuming office in May following a January election victory. Beijing has already conducted two large-scale military drills around Taiwan this year.

Switching to Taiwanese, or Hokkien, during his speech, Lai called for unity in overcoming challenges, asserting, "Taiwan's democracy can serve as an exemplar for the global community."

Lai and his administration firmly reject Beijing's territorial claims and affirm their right to maintain international relations. His itinerary includes visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, with another U.S. stopover in Guam—a location, like Hawaii, that hosts significant U.S. military installations.