TAIPEI, Taiwan — On Thursday, Taiwan’s president is making a visit to Guam as part of his ongoing international journey. Lai Ching-te made his arrival late Wednesday night after departing from the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu. Photos shared by local broadcaster KUAM captured him stepping off a private jet wearing a vibrant, tropical-themed shirt. This visit follows his weekend trip to Hawaii, marking the beginning of his overseas agenda.

Such diplomatic travels often provoke strong reactions from China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory and insists that the self-governing island should ultimately be brought under its authority. In this context, the United States plays a critical role as Taiwan’s principal military aid provider, supplying essential arms for its defense needs. Earlier in the week, China’s Foreign Ministry expressed its profound disapproval of the U.S. backing for Lai’s excursion to Hawaii and lodged an official complaint with American officials.

During his time in Guam, Lai is slated to meet with Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and engage with the local Taiwanese community, according to reports from KUAM. After this, he is set to continue his trip to Palau, which will serve as the final destination on his tour. In addition to Tuvalu, Lai’s itinerary included visits to the Marshall Islands before he touched down in Guam.