President-elect Lai Ching-te of Taiwan expressed on the 15th his hope that the United States will continue to support Taiwan to an unofficial U.S. delegation visiting Taiwan.
According to major foreign media on the day, President-elect Lai stated, "We will continue to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." He also expressed gratitude for the U.S. support of Taiwan's democracy.
Former U.S. Secretary of State James Steinberg and former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, among others, unofficially visited Taiwan on the 14th, the day after the Taiwanese presidential election.
The delegation also met with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to convey congratulations on the election results. Former Advisor Hadley said, "Taiwan's democracy has set an example for the world," and added, "I hope the relationship between Taiwan and the United States will continue under the new government."
President Tsai said regarding the delegation's visit, "It shows the United States' support for Taiwan's democracy and emphasizes the firm partnership between Taiwan and the United States," and expressed hope that "the relationship between Taiwan and the United States will continue to develop."
The United States dispatched a delegation composed of former senior officials the day after Taiwan's presidential election to bolster the pro-American President-elect Lai. This is interpreted as a sign of intent to further strengthen relations with Taiwan amid the election being seen as a 'U.S.-China proxy war.'
U.S. President Joe Biden also sent high-level delegations composed of former officials to Taiwan twice early in his administration.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
