President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, embarked on the “Prosperous South Islands, Sustainable Wisdom” journey and transited through Guam in the United States. During his visit on the 5th, he attended a banquet for overseas Taiwanese in Guam and expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for facilitating a successful visit. He believed that the future relations between Taiwan and the U.S. will deepen further, promoting democracy, peace, and prosperity for both countries.
Tsai Ing-wen was invited to a welcome breakfast hosted by Governor of Guam, Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, at the official residence. Subsequently, he visited the Guam legislature, becoming the first President of the Republic of China to enter the Guam legislature. Speaker Therese M. Terlaje presented a resolution of friendship to President Tsai, who expressed gratitude and emphasized the continued collaboration to deepen the partnership between Taiwan and Guam, becoming a critical force in upholding freedom, democracy, and peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
Presidential spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui stated that President Tsai also held virtual meetings with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Armed Services Committee Republican Ranking Member Roger Wicker. All three legislators mentioned bipartisan support for Taiwan’s defense of democracy and freedom and expressed firm support, looking forward to further deepening U.S.-Taiwan relations to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Kuo Ya-hui mentioned that Johnson and Jeffries specifically highlighted the importance of the “2024 National Security Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act” passed by both parties in Congress in April this year in assisting Taiwan and Indo-Pacific allies in maintaining regional peace and stability. Johnson emphasized that the U.S. has a strong bipartisan consensus on addressing the challenges and threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party, with Taiwan’s security being at the core of U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, dedicating efforts through the “Annual National Defense Authorization Act” to strengthen U.S. response to China and enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
President Tsai Ing-wen attended a luncheon with mainstream and overseas Taiwanese individuals in Guam. In his address, he expressed gratitude for the warm support shown by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero and American guests in attendance. He noted that this visit, following his inauguration on May 20th, included visits to allied countries such as the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu (translated as “Tuvulu” in Taiwan), and Palau (translated as “Belau” in Taiwan), as well as transits through Hawaii and Guam in the United States.
President Tsai remarked that his visits to three Pacific allied nations and transits through two locations in the U.S. share a common Austronesian cultural heritage with Taiwan. He emphasized the shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and pursuit of global peace and people’s happiness, forming partnerships based on similar ideals.
Tsai Ing-wen noted that every person he encountered during this journey, whether through handshakes or embraces, mutually encouraged and respected each other. He thanked Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero and her spouse for the invitation, mentioning their shared medical background and commitment to creating greater well-being for the people in both locations.
He was honored to accept a friendly resolution document presented by the Guam legislature on behalf of the Taiwanese people, which has been passed for four consecutive years. He expressed optimism for the future to establish a more friendly cooperation between Taiwan and Guam based on this resolution, deepening mutual relations and creating mutual interests.
“I also thank the Speaker of the Guam Legislature, Therese M. Terlaje, Vice Speaker Tina Rose Muña Barnes, and all senators for their steadfast support of Taiwan, offering deep friendship to the Taiwanese people,” Tsai Ing-wen stated.
Tsai Ing-wen highlighted that whether singing both countries’ national anthems at the Governor’s official residence in Guam, accepting a friendly resolution document at the Guam Legislature, or receiving the U.S. and Hawaii flags from the state legislature, it symbolizes the deep emotional bond between Taiwan and the United States that is as solid as a rock. He believed that future Taiwan-U.S. relations will advance further, contributing to democracy, peace, and prosperity for both countries.
President Tsai emphasized that Taiwan has transitioned from the authoritarian era to democracy, standing as a beacon of democracy in Asia. He hoped that all compatriots, regardless of their location, would commit to deepening and protecting democracy and never bow down to authoritarianism.
Regarding the economy, Tsai Ing-wen mentioned that Taiwan has progressed from agriculture and industry to the age of technology, ranking as the world’s 21st largest economy, with the semiconductor industry leading globally. Over 90% of high-end chips worldwide are manufactured in Taiwan. “We hope to use semiconductors to promote global economic prosperity, which is our mission,” he stated.
Tsai Ing-wen pointed out that Taiwan is not only number one in semiconductors but also in baseball globally. Taiwan claimed the world championship in the World Baseball Classic this year. He stressed, “Over the decades, we have achieved what others thought was impossible.” He expressed gratitude for the contributions of overseas compatriots and believed that as long as united efforts continue, Taiwan can overcome challenges and work with democratic allies like the U.S. to defend Taiwan’s security, maintain regional peace, and benefit the world.
Tsai Ing-wen remarked that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and the 80th anniversary of Guam Liberation Day, with the theme being “Eternal Peace”, which carries significant meaning. Apart from expressing gratitude to the U.S. for its long-term support, he expressed hope that under the goal of “Eternal Peace,” Taiwan, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and various sectors of the U.S. work together towards global democracy, peace, and prosperity.
Ying Lai, Executive Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), stated in her speech that she welcomed President Tsai’s visit to Guam. The broad range of U.S.-Taiwan relations focus on democracy, security, prosperity, and Taiwan’s international status. The most important shared value between Taiwan and the U.S. is “democracy,” with Taiwan being a leading democratic nation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ying Lai pointed out that the core objective of successive U.S. administrations is to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Therefore, the U.S. will continue to assist Taiwan in enhancing its self-defense capabilities, recognizing Taiwan’s efforts in strengthening self-defense, reform, resource allocation, and promoting “total societal resilience.”
With the reopening of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Guam (TECO-Guam), Ying Lai mentioned that it will provide an excellent platform for deepening bilateral academic, scientific, investment, and cultural exchanges, hoping to continue to jointly maintain the ties of friendship, culture, values, and citizen participation.
AIT Chairman James Moriarty, through a recorded message, welcomed President Tsai to Guam and thanked Ying Lai for representing AIT in welcoming President Tsai during her maternity leave. He highlighted the various works jointly advanced by the U.S. and Taiwan in international space, economic exchanges, total societal resilience, and shared values, laying a solid foundation for bilateral partnership. He wished President Tsai a fruitful visit to Guam and success in his upcoming visit to Palau.
Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, Arnold I. Palacios, expressed a welcoming message to President Tsai during his address. He stated, “We share common values such as democracy, friendship, and similar cultures with Taiwan. Despite the current geopolitical challenges, we look forward to maintaining a strong relationship with Taiwan to ensure the continuity of democratic values in the region.”
Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, addressing the audience, expressed her delight in Guam being one of the stops on President Tsai’s official visit. She noted the deep and continuous connection between Taiwan and Guam, sharing not only an Austronesian linguistic heritage but also common values and visions.
Governor Guerrero emphasized that unity is strength, and through collaboration, resilience, and flexibility, societies can move towards a more sustainable and prosperous future, enhancing people’s well-being. She looked forward to more opportunities for mutual exchange, sharing knowledge, culture, opportunities, and traditions to collectively promote progress in the South Island region. She also wished President Tsai a successful visit, bringing meaningful connections and a more sustainable and wise future.
Subsequently, Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero and Governor Arnold I. Palacios presented congratulatory messages to President Tsai, and Senator Celina Babauta of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate also presented a friendly resolution document to President Tsai.