President Tsai Ing-wen awarded Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon Aug. 3 for advancing Taiwan-U.S. relations.
Pelosi is one of Taiwan’s most devoted friends who has deep and longstanding ties with the country, Tsai said. This is illustrated by her visit to Taiwan in 1999, as well as continuous attention to the country’s democratic developments over the past two decades and support for its international participation, she added.
Tsai made the remarks while receiving Pelosi and her congressional delegation at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. Other members of the group include Gregory Meeks, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Mark Takano, chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; Rep. Suzan DelBene, vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee; Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, chair of the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy; and Rep. Andy Kim.
According to Tsai, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait another focus of worldwide attention. Aggression against democratic Taiwan would have a tremendous impact on the security of the entire Indo-Pacific, she said.
Tsai also took the opportunity to thank Pelosi and the delegation for taking concrete action to show staunch support for Taiwan at this critical moment, as well as stating consistent U.S. policy support for the country’s self-defense. The visit further demonstrates the rock-solid support of Congress for Taiwan, she said.
In response, Pelosi expressed her deep pride in accepting the honor. This award represents the accomplishments of all members of Congress who have been instrumental in strengthening bilateral ties and united in support of Taiwan, she added.
The visit, Pelosi said, is a reminder of the bedrock promise the U.S. made 43 years ago with the Taiwan Relations Act that the country will always stand with Taiwan.
The two sides have built a thriving partnership grounded in the shared values of self-government and self-determination, Pelosi said, adding that this centers on mutual security interests and economic ties promoting prosperity for people. (DL-E)
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