President Tsai Ing-wen says the government will continue strengthening ties with the United States. Tsai was speaking Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation from the US.
Leading the delegation was Kurt Tong, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former US Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau
Tsai said last year saw milestones in relations between Taipei and Washington. She said these include the establishment of the Indo-Pacific Democratic Governance Consultations and the Pacific Islands Dialogue. Tsai said the Global Cooperation and Training Framework, established by the two sides in 2015, has also seen much progress.
The president thanked the United States for its long-term support for Taiwan.
She said Taiwan’s just-concluded presidential election sent a message to the world that Taiwan is determined to safeguard its sovereignty and democracy. Tsai vowed to maintain cross-strait peace and stability in the face of China’s relentless pressure. She said that Taiwan’s government is unyielding, but will also refrain from provocative or rash actions.