TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Lai Ching-te (賴清德) is scheduled to transit in Hawaii and Guam on his trip  to Taiwan’s Pacific Island allies.

The president will stay in Hawaii for two nights before visiting the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu, then transit through Guam before heading to Palau, CNA reported. During the layovers in the US, Lai plans to hold closed-door discussions with think tanks and meet with local Taiwanese communities.

This is the president’s first trip abroad since taking office in May. Lai aims to reaffirm the importance Taiwan places on its Pacific Island allies and continue strengthening regional partnerships, per the Presidential Office.

Discussions with leaders will cover smart sustainability and sustainable democracy. Lai will also exchange views on major bilateral cooperative projects and issues of mutual concern.

In the Marshall Islands, he will meet with President Hilda Heine and attend a ceremony marking the completion of the Majuro Hospital AI and Telemedicine Center.

In Tuvalu, Lai will engage with Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo and Governor-General Tofiga Vaevalu Falani. He will also visit Nauti Primary School.

His visit to Palau will include talks with President Surangel Whipps Jr. and a stop at the National Congress. Lai will also participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new government building.

Lai’s trip (Nov. 30-Dec. 6) comes as China’s influence in the region continues to grow. Beijing signed two security agreements with the Solomon Islands in 2022 and last year. It also deployed police officers to Kiribati in February to help with community policing.

In August, China pressured the Solomon Islands to block Taiwan’s participation in next year’s Pacific Islands Forum. It also lobbied member nations to support this motion.