Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) thanks the U.S. House representatives for their open letter to the State Department asking Secretary Antony Blinken to invite President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit. The premier was interviewed on Friday at the completion ceremony of a Shihmen Reservoir’s anti-silt tunnel.
When asked whether Tsai’s attendance at APEC would help with DPP’s presidential election efforts, Chen says Taiwan has attended APEC events in the past. He says he is in agreement with Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) that they hope the open letter will have a fruitful outcome.
Chen adds that he is glad to see many democratic countries express care for Taiwan Strait’s peace and stability. He says Taiwan will work with like-minded countries to push back against authoritarianism.
Chen was also asked to comment on former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) being labeled as “Former President of Taipei” at the Delphi Economic Forum held in Greece. Chen says the organizers’ should correct the title for the former president immediately. He says Ma is Taiwan’s former President. Chen adds that Taiwanese attending future international events should always be vigilant when it comes to the country’s sovereignty and dignity.