TAIPEI, Taiwan — President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan urged China to embrace cooperation rather than aggression as he concluded his inaugural international journey since taking office in May.

At a press conference in Palau, a nation in the Pacific, Lai responded to speculations regarding potential military exercises by China in retaliation for his visit. He emphasized that no amount of military intimidation involving exercises, naval ships, or aircraft would earn the respect of neighboring nations.

Lai’s statements followed China’s Foreign Ministry’s announcement of sanctions on 13 American companies and six corporate executives related to newly disclosed arms sales to Taiwan.

The division between Taiwan and China dates back to 1949 when the communist party claimed victory in the civil war, leading to the Nationalists establishing their government in Taiwan, which is home to approximately 23 million people, situated roughly 160 kilometers (100 miles) from the Chinese mainland. The Communist Party of China asserts that Taiwan, which operates independently, is part of its territory and should eventually be united with the mainland.

During his Pacific trip, which included visits to Hawaii and Guam, Lai positioned himself in a region where China and the United States are competing for dominance and influence. He also made stops in the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, which are among the 12 nations maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan, contrasting with the broader global community that recognizes China, including the United States.

In his comments, the Taiwanese president underscored the contrast between democratic nations like Taiwan and the U.S. and authoritarian regimes, highlighting military partnerships involving Russia, China, and North Korea. He asserted that when authoritarian nations unite, it becomes all the more crucial for democratic countries to stand together to safeguard global and regional stability and progress.

While in Guam, Lai held discussions with U.S. congressional leaders, signaling strong American backing for Taiwan. His two stops on U.S. soil drew ire from China, which is firmly against U.S. military support and arms sales relating to Taiwan’s defense, which remains largely reliant on American military supplies.