Lai yesterday made a two-day stopover in Honolulu on the way to a state visit to three Pacific allies. He is expected to transit through Guam on Wednesday on his return to Taiwan. The seven-day trip to the South Pacific is Lai’s first official overseas visit since assuming office in May.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te kicked off his second day in the United States on Sunday, as China fumed over more US arms sales to the island and Lai's stopover in Hawaii that is part of his Pacific tour.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te flew to the United States on Saturday to launch a week-long tour of the Pacific that he said would usher in a new era of democracy, but has ignited fiery threats from Beijing.