Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has reaffirmed her strong support for Taiwan’s participation in global organizations during a phone call with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. The conversation took place on Monday as President Lai made a stopover in Hawaii during his week-long diplomatic trip to Taiwan's Pacific allies.
According to Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo, the call was described as "warm and cordial." Pelosi congratulated President Lai on his recent election victory and reiterated her long-standing advocacy for Taiwan’s role on the international stage.
Emphasizing the potential consequences of Taiwan's exclusion from international organizations like the World Health Organisation (WHO), Pelosi stressed that such a scenario could have “unimaginable consequences” for regional security and the global economy. She also underscored her commitment to ensuring Taiwan’s voice is heard internationally, highlighting bipartisan support for the island within the US Congress.
The discussion extended beyond international participation, touching upon the issue of double taxation between Taiwan and the United States. Pelosi highlighted the importance of resolving this matter, viewing it as a reflection of the strong and growing ties between the two nations.
President Lai’s trip to Hawaii is part of a broader diplomatic mission that includes visits to the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Tuvalu. This journey aims to strengthen Taiwan-US ties and counter China's Belt and Road Initiative. The strategic significance of Taiwan's location at the center of the first island chain—a critical line of defense against Chinese expansionism—adds weight to this visit.
Experts believe Lai’s stops in Hawaii, Palau, and Guam are part of a calculated strategy to link the first, second, and third island chains. These chains, comprising key territories such as Taiwan, Guam, and Hawaii, are considered vital to curbing China's regional influence.
Chieh Chung, a research fellow at the Association of Strategic Foresight, notes that recent deployments of US carrier strike groups in the Pacific are likely aimed at deterring China but are not directly linked to Lai’s travels. Analysts anticipate potential responses from China, such as military exercises near Taiwan, though such actions could risk international condemnation.
