Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te arrived Saturday in Hawaii to begin a two-day transit in the US as part of a trip to the South Pacific, his first since assuming office. He was greeted at a Honolulu hotel by cheering supporters who put festive leis around his neck.

The United States has approved its 18th arms sale to Taiwan under the Biden Administration. The US$387 million package will include parts, equipment and support for Taiwan's F-16 fighter jets.