Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te is expected to arrive in Guam this week for a one-day layover amid China's criticism of his transit on US soil. 

He arrived in Hawaii on Sunday for a two-day stop as part of his weeklong trip to three diplomatic allies in the Pacific. 

This comes despite reported warnings from China, which has long claimed the democratically governed island of Taiwan as part of its territory and considers any move to support its independence a threat to its sovereignty.

Lai was met by Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green and other state officials like US representative Ed Case, according to Hawaii News Now. 

“Shared values and an interest to advance mutual goals and meet shared challenges. And above all, they are built on and endure on mutual trust. All of these, Mr. President, describe today’s and tomorrow’s ties between our country and Hawaii and Taiwan,” said Case. 

Taiwan plus news also shows Lai speaking at a dinner held at a local resort.

“The Hawaii state..also represents the closer and stronger ties that Taiwan and Hawaii will share moving forward. With our shared Austronesian heritage, we are like family,” said Lai. 

Lai’s trip is to promote “smart and sustainable development for a prosperous Austronesian region.”

In his remarks before embarking on the Pacific tour, the President stated that he hopes to promote smart sustainability, sustainable democracy, and sustainable diplomatic ties.

He will layover in Guam for one day as he continues his trip to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. 

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office said Lai is expected to attend a luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Guam on Thursday, Dec. 5. 

Adelup said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero will meet with him during his brief stop on the island. 

Meanwhile, the layovers marked Lai's first visit to US soil since he took office in May.

The trip drew China’s scrutiny, which reportedly vowed “resolute countermeasures” to a $385 million arms sale to Taiwan that was approved by the US shortly before Lai’s trip.