War has no winners and peace is priceless, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Saturday in Hawaii after visiting a memorial to the attack on Pearl Harbor on a trip to the United States that has angered Beijing.

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.

Lai Ching-te was given a red carpet welcome upon arrival in Honolulu on Saturday. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has responded to Lai's first overseas trip as president with threats to 'resolutely crush' any attempt for independence.