Taiwan leader embarks on first overseas trip including US stopovers

Taipei [Taiwan], December 2: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te departed Taipei on Saturday for what is his first overseas trip to the allies of the self-governing island country, with stopovers planned in the US.
Lai's seven-day trip will see him visit partners in the South Pacific, including the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau.
On his way there, he is scheduled to make a stopover in Hawaii, where he will spend two nights, followed by a stopover in the US territory of Guam in the West Pacific on December 4.
"I'd like to thank the US government for adhering to the principles of safety, dignity, comfort, and convenience in facilitating the success of this trip," Lai said upon his departure from Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport.
Lai added that he hopes that the trip will help further enhance exchanges with Taiwan's three long-standing allies, to deepen democratic ties and promote environmental sustainability.
Beijing condemned Lai's trip on Thursday. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune