Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Taiwan in March. During that trip he called on Washington to officially recognize Taiwan. Earlier this week, Pompeo arrived in Taiwan for his second visit in six months.
President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday morning attended the opening ceremony of the Global Taiwan Business Forum in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung. She’s not only there to help bolster businesses, but also to meet with former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Pompeo arrived in Taiwan on Monday night and delivered a keynote speech at the forum.
During his speech, Pompeo said Taiwan was separate from China:
“There are many elements that will convince the Chinese Communist Party that today's situation in fact reflects the reality of Taiwan as this important place that is different and separate, and independent from that China. ”
He then noted that the United States is divesting from China:
“...For the past decades has encouraged American business to invest inside of China... to invest alongside the Chinese Communist Party -- it was American policy for decades. It's no longer the case. ”
During her speech, President Tsai said Pompeo’s trips to Taiwan are a sign of the US’ support for the country. Tsai then called on Taiwanese businesses to help Taiwan foster relations with the world. She said that business exchanges are key to expanding cooperation between Taiwan and the US.