(Reuters) -Taiwan President Lai Ching-te was in the U.S. territory of Guam on Wednesday, his second U.S. stopover in less than a week during a tour to reinforce ties with Pacific allies in the face of increasing Chinese pressure.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s brief stop in Hawaii may have appeared understated – no formal US reception, no grand speeches – but its implications extend far beyond floral wreaths and banquets.