China insists democratic self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and opposes any international recognition of the island.
Lai will depart Saturday for a visit to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau -- the only Pacific islands among Taiwan's 12 remaining allies.
It will be Lai's first overseas trip since taking office in May.
Taiwanese government officials have previously stopped over on US soil during visits to the Pacific or Latin America, angering Chinese leaders in Beijing.
Lai will spend two nights in Hawaii and one night in Guam... Читать дальше...