Taiwan will be closely watching the upcoming summit between Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden on April 16. That was the word from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) North American Affairs Bureau Director Douglas Hsu on Tuesday.
Hsu said, “We will continue to work with the US and Japan in the future to guarantee peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region.” US President Joe Biden has said that he would work with democratic allies in dealing with China. Taiwan's foreign ministry will watch for any statements from the summit regarding security in the Taiwan Strait.
The US also just announced new guidelines for interaction between US and Taiwan officials that have relaxed former self-imposed limits. These include now being able to meet in federal buildings and at the Twin Oaks, the former residence of Taiwanese ambassadors to the US. Hsu said these new guidelines will make it more convenient for the two sides to work together. He said there will be more interaction between Taiwan and US government officials.
There have also been recent reports that former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Taiwan. Hsu said Taiwan will invite current and former US officials to visit Taiwan and that Pompeo has expressed an interest and willingness to visit Taiwan. The foreign ministry is in touch with Pompeo about this matter and will find the most appropriate time, taking into consideration pandemic regulations, to invite him.