Guam stands with Taiwan in the face of mounting threats from China
- Admin
- Oct 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 12
By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Guam officials reaffirmed the territory’s support for Taiwan on Friday as China steps up pressure that triggers increased regional anxiety.
“As the bridge between the United States and our allies in Asia, Guam is proud to stand alongside Taiwan, a partner whose commitment to democracy, innovation and peace continues to uplift this region,” Guam Del. James Moylan said during Taiwan’s 114th "Double Ten" National Day celebration on Guam.
Local officials, business and community leaders joined the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office during the event held at the Hyatt Regency Guam.
Taiwan faces a dwindling international recognition amid Beijing’s rise as a superpower and arm-twisting tactic to isolate the democratically ruled island. China insists Taiwan is its province.
Moylan said Taiwan’s resilience in the face of pressure “continues to inspire our entire region.”
Taiwan is ranked 21st in terms of nominal GDP and 20th in terms of purchasing power parity. Its economic strength is largely attributed to its leading position in global technology manufacturing and a robust free-market economy.
The Taiwan Semiconductor Company is one of the world's most valuable
semiconductor manufacturers. Despite its exclusion from the World Health Organization, Taiwan is considered a leader in global health due to its high-ranking, efficient universal healthcare system.
“Taiwan's story is one of courage, of facing challenges head on, and turning them into opportunities for growth,” Moylan said.
“It's a story of progress, led by people who believe deeply in community, shared purpose and the power of coming together for a common good,” he added.
As an unincorporated U.S. territory, Guam does not have the authority to establish diplomatic relations. While the federal government controls all external affairs, Guam, nevertheless, has informal ties with Taiwan.
Guam's more than five decades of Sister-City relationship with Taipei has paved the way for cultural exchanges, educational opportunities, health care services, and economic investments.
This year, President Lai Ching-Te met with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero during a brief stopover on Guam as part of his Pacific tour. Leon Guerrero returned the favor and visited Taipei.
Chia Ping Liu, TECO’s director general, said the mutual visits marked a significant milestone in the growing relationship between the two islands.
“Taiwan and Guam enjoy a unique and special relationship. We are like brothers and sisters across the Pacific, connected by our Austronesian roots,” Liu said.
“Over the years, Taiwan and Guam have deepened cooperation in the area of tourism, healthcare, education, trade and investment, indigenous affairs and disaster resilience,” he added.
Clynt Ridgell, the governor’s deputy chief of staff, said Guam and Taiwan “are connected not only by proximity but by shared values: freedom, fairness and a belief in the power of people to shape their destiny.”
“As we witness increasing tensions in the region, we also see growing strength in the partnerships that bind us,” Ridgell said, delivering remarks on behalf of the governor.
While Xi Jinping is adamant on "reunification," with persistent threats to invade Taiwan, Guam is in the crosshairs of the People's Liberation Army due to its strategic location, which makes it a potential launchpad for any U.S. response.
“Guam stands with Taiwan in its pursuit of peace and prosperity, as well as in its steadfast commitment to democracy," .Ridgell said.
"Together, we look forward to ushering in stronger days for Guam-Taiwan relations—days filled with increased collaboration in trade, tourism, education and cultural exchange," he added.
In a resolution presented to Liu, the 38th Guam Legislature noted that the link between Guam and Taiwan is rooted in the islands' Austronesian heritage, "with the CHamoru people of Guam and the Taiwanese Aborigines preserving this bond through ongoing cross-cultural exchanges."
"Guam has further strengthened its people-to-people ties with Taiwan in 2025, including a recent visit by 40 Taiwan youth ambassadors to Guam, where they met with legislative leaders and engaged in a regional security roundtable at the University of Guam," states the resolution.
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