President Tsai Ing-wen praised the healthy state of Taiwan-U.S. ties March 5, pledging to continue working with Washington in promoting peace and democracy throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Taiwan and the U.S. have advanced from a bilateral partnership to a global one, with cooperation now spanning a wide spectrum and making key contributions to regional development, Tsai said.
The two sides should look toward fast-tracking negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement to enhance the flow of goods and boost economic growth, she added.
Tsai made the remarks while receiving James F. Moriarty, chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan, at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. The visit is the eighth by the AIT head since he took over the position in 2016.
The president also took the opportunity to thank the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government for speaking up for Taiwan.
According to Tsai, a prime example is the statement by State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus recognizing Taiwan’s professionalism in handling public health issues and condemning the International Civil Aviation Organization’s suppression of freedom of expression by blocking Twitter users who made reference to Taiwan.
Another positive development is the unanimous passage of the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act of 2020 by the House of Representatives earlier in the day, Tsai said.
Concrete backing by the U.S. Congress for Taiwan’s efforts in expanding global participation and diplomatic relations is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, she added.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world continue to increase, Tsai said, adding that Taiwan is willing and able to work with the global community to address this health challenge.
In response, Moriarty said the U.S. will redouble its efforts to expand Taiwan’s global participation going forward, a need exemplified by ongoing spread of the new coronavirus.
Taiwan’s measured, transparent and evidence-based approach to containing the disease is a testament to the strength of its democratic system, Moriarty said, adding that countries around the world can learn from its experience. (SFC-E)
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