2022-08-03
DPP Welcomes Speaker Pelosi's Visit and its Reinforcement of Taiwan-US Ties
In response to Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, DPP Spokesperson Peifen Hsieh stated that the DPP is grateful for the visit and receives the Speaker with the utmost sincerity. The Speaker is the highest ranking US Congressperson to visit Taiwan in 25 years. Not only does this visit demonstrate the strength of Taiwan-US friendship, but it also illustrates that Taiwan is a valued Indo-Pacific ally of the US. Whether promoting freedom, democracy, or human rights, Taiwan and the US are committed to solidifying their partnership.
According to the DPP Spokesperson, Speaker Pelosi is a long-time supporter of pro-Taiwan legislation. Consecutive House passage of the TAIPEI Act, the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020, and the America COMPETES Act exemplifies the Speaker's support of the country. In addition, in May of 2019, Speaker Pelosi attended a Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. During the event, Speaker Pelosi reiterated US advocacy of Taiwan and stated that: "Congress' support for the people of Taiwan is not about politics but our shared values of freedom, security, democracy, and human rights."
In 2021, upon meeting Chinese activist Wuerkaixi, the Speaker mentioned Taiwan and stated that the country is close to her heart. In celebration of Taiwan's December 2021 Open Parliament Forum, Speaker Pelosi sent a letter affirming the US commitment to Taiwan. It "continues to stand with Taiwan, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the freedom, security and human rights of the people of Taiwan." Further, last month, the Speaker once again reiterated that "it's important for us to show support for Taiwan."
Spokesperson Hsieh stated that the Speaker's emphasis on freedom and human rights aligns with DPP values. She added that the DPP respects and admires the moral integrity of Speaker Pelosi and that the Speaker is a true ally of Taiwan.
Regarding Chinese threats resulting from the Speaker's visit, Spokesperson Hsieh underscored the futility of such efforts. Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda seeks to undermine the diplomatic exchanges and regional peace and security of democratic countries. The DPP urges the CCP to exercise restraint and cease its political and military provocations. Further, the DPP calls for the CCP to maintain peace in the region, act like a "responsible power," and resist interfering with exchanges between Taiwan and the international community.
Taiwan has fought for its place in the international community and will not be deterred by China. Chinese interference will neither disrupt Taiwan-US friendship nor obscure the fruits of Taiwan's diplomatic labor. Yet, as peace in the Taiwan Strait is of international concern, Taiwan will maintain its policy of "resisting pressure and avoiding rash actions." Taiwan will continue to call for equal treatment, rational dialogue, and the diplomatic navigation of cross-strait relations. And by preserving regional stability, Taiwan will increase its contribution to Indo-Pacific peace.
