TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's national anthem was played for President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) as he visited the governor's residence on Thursday (Dec. 5).
During his visit to Guam as part of his Pacific tour, Lai was invited to a tea reception with Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero at the Government House, per CNA. Before the meeting, the national anthems of the US and Taiwan were played.
The Taiwan flag was also displayed inside the residence. CNA cited sources as saying that such arrangements during presidential transit visits are rare and significant demonstrating the friendship between Taiwan and Guam and the importance placed by the governor on Lai's visit.
In July, an amendment to the annual US State Department spending bill that prevents the department from spending funds to enforce restrictions on high-level bilateral US-Taiwan communications was passed by voice vote in the House of Representatives. Examples of restrictions included bans on displaying Taiwan's flag and playing Taiwan's national anthem at functions held on US government property.
In his speech, Lai greeted attendees in Guam’s native Chamorro language, saying, "Hafa Adai" (hello). He said he was honored to be invited to the governor’s residence and receive such warm hospitality.
Lai thanked Guerrero for supporting Taiwan and emphasized their growing ties. He pointed out that Taiwan's China Airlines resumed direct flights to Guam, United Airlines announced a Taipei-Guam route that starts in April next year, and other Taiwanese carriers are also working hard to launch direct services.
He said that several hospitals in Taiwan currently provide medical transfer services for patients from Guam. As both he and the governor have backgrounds in healthcare, Lai expressed hope for even closer cooperation in public health and medical services.
Lai pointed out additional areas for potential collaboration, such as aquaculture, hydroponic farming, construction engineering, and renewable energy. He stressed the importance of talent development and expressed hope for continued cooperation with Guam in all aspects of education and culture.
Lai expressed special thanks to Guerrero for her contributions to Taiwan-Guam relations, such as assisting in reopening Taiwan's representative office in Guam and promoting sister-city relationships between Guam and Taoyuan and Taichung.
The president said Taiwan and Guam share the values of democracy and freedom. He said recent research and archaeological findings have also demonstrated that Guam’s Chamorro people and Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples share Austronesian roots, further strengthening bonds.
Lai said Taiwan and Guam are like family and share a partnership rooted in shared values.
He added that because they are situated along the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, Guam and Taiwan face common threats from authoritarianism. He emphasized that they should stand closer to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.