Taiwan President Lai Ching-te arrived on an official visit to the Marshall Islands on Tuesday, which he said was the first country he had visited since taking office in May, as part of a Pacific tour of diplomatic allies.

Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te arrived in the Marshall Islands on Tuesday, after visiting the United States on the first stop of a Pacific tour that has angered Chinese leaders. The Marshall Islands is one of 12 remaining nations that recognize Taiwan's claim to statehood after others switched to China following promises of aid and investment.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has pledged to help its Pacific partner the Marshall Islands face a growing number of health and climate issues. Lai is using his first overseas trip as president to shore up ties with Taiwan's three remaining diplomatic allies in the Pacific,