Taiwan’s President Ching-te Lai is expected to fly in overnight at the AB Won Pat International Airport.  This as he continues his Pacific tour to three diplomatic allies.  Ahead of his sensitive stop here in Guam, Lai wrapped up his first official state visit to the Marshall Islands. 

In Majuro, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine gave a warm welcome to President Lai at the airport. 

The tarmac is surrounded by a large crowd filming the arrival as all eyes focus on Lai’s tour, which has angered Beijing. 

During a livestreamed encounter, Lai finds common ground of a shared culture, through the help of an interpreter. 

“Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share a traditional Austronesian culture as well as the values of freedom and democracy. We are like family. And we are also close partners who support each other. Over many years of mutual support, we have provided one another with the greatest possible backing,” said Lai. 

The Pacific island nation is the first country he visited since he took office in May, an ‘honor’ for President Heine.  

“Your state visit also signifies a bilateral relationship that is mature, one that had withstood the test of time, and one that I am confident will continue to grow and become stronger in the years to come,” said Heine. 

China claims Taiwan as its territory and has been increasing military pressure against Taiwan, to include two rounds of war games near the self-governing island just this year. 

China has condemned Lai's trip to Hawaii and filed a formal complaint to the US.

According to Reuters, Taiwan's Defense Ministry is monitoring Chinese military movements as they may launch new drills this weekend to coincide with Lai's trip.

Meantime, Lai reportedly arrived in Tuvalu Wednesday morning, touring the Polynesian nation for the day before he flies out to Guam. 

Sources said the President will be arriving on this tarmac on a private jet overnight.  The following morning, Lai will be meeting with Governor Lou Leon Guerrero at the government house. 

Then he will meet with the local Taiwanese community at Hyatt in Tumon.  

We will continue to bring you coverage on this unofficial but high profile visit.