After arriving in Hawaii, Lai said war would have "no winners" and that "we have to fight together to prevent war".

The rest of the trip will see Lai visit Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, the only Pacific island nations among the 12 countries that recognise Taiwan's independence.

Speaking before his departure for Hawaii, Lai said the trip marked "the beginning of a new era of value-based diplomacy".

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has arrived in the US state of Hawaii for a two-day visit, drawing a furious reaction from China.

The following day 76-year-old billionaire Jimmy Lai, a fierce critic of China, testified at his trial for allegedly colluding with foreign forces.