Just days after the arrival of a US security delegation, another influential American politician has arrived in Taiwan. While the visits serve different purposes, officials on both sides say that these meetings reflect the growing friendship between the United States and Taiwan.
Despite an unexpected power outage across Taiwan, high-level political meetings are carrying on as usual. Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday and met with President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday morning. His arrival comes just after US President Joe Biden sent a bipartisan delegation to Taiwan to discuss regional peace and security.
Pompeo was awarded the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon in recognition of his contribution to US-Taiwan relations. Tsai lauded Pompeo’s crucial role in facilitating more visits and interactions between US officials and Taiwan.
Tsai says Taiwan hopes to establish a bilateral trade agreement with the US. She says that this kind of cooperation will enhance economic and business relationships between the two countries.
At their meeting, Pompeo also brought up the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He said, “If any of us were mistaken or complacent about the risk to that freedom, I think we need only watch what’s taking place in Europe today to see that this continues to demand deep, concerted, focused leadership from those of us who cherish freedom.”
Pompeo will remain in Taiwan until Saturday and is accompanied by his former advisor on China policy, Miles Yu. They will continue to meet with other senior government officials and trade representatives, in the hopes of continuing to promote US-Taiwan relations.