Taiwan: President-elect thanks US for ‘strong support’

Faced with threats from China, the United States has reaffirmed its support for Taiwan. Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te said Monday he is “grateful for the United States’ strong support for Taiwanese democracy” during a meeting with an informal American delegation in Taipei. It “shows the close and enduring partnership between Taiwan and the United States,” he said two days after his election.

The comments come amid growing pressure from China, which rejects the pro-independence president. But “although China continues to persecute Taiwan through military and other actions, Taiwan has taken (the situation) calmly and equanimously and is working with like-minded partners, including the United States, to maintain the status quo, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” . ” he added.

Earlier, the American delegation met with outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, who, like Lai Ching-te, comes from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). She welcomed the “very important visit” that “fully demonstrates the United States’ support for Taiwanese democracy.” The panel, consisting of former National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, former Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg and American Institute in Taiwan President Laura Rosenberger, is scheduled to leave Taiwan on Tuesday.

“We are here to congratulate you and the people of Taiwan on the presidential and legislative elections on January 13,” said Stephen Hadley, calling Taiwan’s democracy “an example to the world.” “It is my honor” to “convey the congratulations of the American people to Taiwan for a successful election.” commented by X Laura Rosenberger.

China calls on Washington not to interfere in elections

The visit caps an election campaign marked by growing pressure, both diplomatic and military, from China, which considers Taiwan one of its provinces to be reunified by force if necessary and has vowed to “punish” those who work for independence. . Lai Ching-te, the outgoing vice president, believes the island is de facto independent and has vowed to protect it from “threats and intimidation” from Beijing.

The status of Taiwan may be the most explosive topic in relations between China and the United States. While Washington has recognized Beijing since 1979 to the detriment of Taipei, the US Congress has at the same time imposed arms sales on Taiwan with the stated goal of dissuading China from any expansionist aspirations.

The purpose of sending the delegation is to “clearly convey to the President-elect (…) the importance of a strong informal partnership, as well as to provide a clear picture of what the U.S. one-China policy is and is not,” a senior U.S. official explained ahead of the visit to conditions of anonymity.

The trip risks irritating China, which already during the election campaign called on Washington “not to interfere” in the presidential elections in Taiwan. However, this is not the first time Washington has sent an informal delegation to Taiwan after an election: in 2016, former Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns arrived from the island two days after Tsai Ing-wen was elected president.