2017-08-07

 

While meeting on the morning of August 7 with former US Vice President Richard Cheney, President Tsai Ing-wen reiterated that Taiwan and the US can continue to enhance their strategic partnership on a number of important fronts, including trade, investment, national defense, and people-to-people exchanges.

 

In remarks, President Tsai welcomed former Vice President Cheney back for another visit to Taiwan, and noted that as a member of the US House of Representatives in 1979 he had supported the Taiwan Relations Act. For the past 38 years, she said, that act has been an important basis of security and development in Taiwan, and very important for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. It stands as eloquent testimony to the strength of Taiwan-US relations. The president also welcomed the Trump administration's recent announcement of planned arms sales to Taiwan, and said this shows the US government's firm intention to continue honoring its commitments to Taiwan.

 

The president stressed that Taiwan and the US have always had an unshakeable determination to maintain regional peace and stability, and have worked together to defend the two countries' interests and values. Of course, such determination must be backed up not only by action, but also by shared principles, so we are very happy, she said, to see that the US government continues strengthening ties with the Asia-Pacific region and reaffirming partnerships with its allies.

 

President Tsai said she hopes that Taiwan and the US can continue to enhance their strategic partnership on a number of important fronts, including trade, investment, national defense, and people-to-people exchanges. In addition, she also expressed hope that, with the support of former Vice President Cheney and the Trump administration, further progress will be seen in future Taiwan-US relations.

 

Noting that Mr. Cheney would be giving the keynote speech at the 2017 Asia-Pacific Security Dialogue the following day, the president said she's looking forward to that presentation with great anticipation, and welcomed Mr. Cheney to visit Taiwan often.