2023-04-07
DPP: Support of U.S. and Allies Reassures People of Taiwan We Are Not Alone
President Tsai Ing-wen has successfully concluded her diplomatic trip “Mission of Meeting Democratic Partners, Fostering Shared Prosperity,” comprising visits to our diplomatic allies Guatemala and Belize, as well as transit stops in New York and Los Angeles. On April 5 Pacific Time, she met with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Members of Congress from both parties, whereupon they held a closed-door meeting. Apropos of this, Peifen Hsieh, DPP Spokesperson and Director of the International Affairs Department, said it was the best testament to the tight Taiwan-U.S. partnership. The DPP extends its hearty gratitude to Taiwan’s friends in the U.S. Executive Branch, Congress and other quarters of American society for always standing with Taiwan. The U.S.’s unflinching support reassures the people of Taiwan we’re not alone. And President Tsai’s visit to Guatemala and Belize fortified Taiwan’s ties with the two nations, whose unwavering support touches the hearts of Taiwanese people.
Since President Tsai assumed office, Hsieh noted, her administration has been working tirelessly to widen Taiwan’s diplomatic space, forging an ever closer Taiwan-U.S. relationship. No less than Speaker McCarthy reaffirmed the strong bond between the U.S. and Taiwan in his public remarks following the meeting, saying, Taiwan-U.S. bond “is stronger now than at any time or point in [his] lifetime…Of course, President Tsai is a great champion of that bond.”
During the bilateral meeting President Tsai reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to defending the peaceful status quo—where the people of Taiwan may continue to thrive in a free and open society. On this point, Hsieh also reiterated that, as Chairperson Lai has repeatedly stressed, the DPP resolves to “continue shoring up Taiwan-U.S. ties and to cooperate closely with the world’s democracies in various areas. In so doing Taiwan can make valuable contributions to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific, fulfilling the mission of defending democracy, peace and prosperity this new era has bestowed upon us.
Hsieh said that while the Honduran government chose to cast aside our decades-long friendship and shift recognition to the PRC, the DPP stood united with the people of Taiwan, ultimately busting through the China-engineered diplomatic plight and breaking fresh ground.
In addition to making visible strides in the Taiwan-U.S. partnership, during this trip President Tsai has succeeded at solidifying Taiwan’s relations with its allies. In multiple areas of cooperation Taiwan has proved that, underpinned by the spirit of reciprocity and mutual prosperity with allied nations, it can produce monumental achievements through courage, hard work, resolve and assiduity. As Guatemalan President Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla said, “For Guatemala, President Tsai’s visit this time is very important. It gives us the opportunity to reiterate our support for Taiwan. We will surely continue to be the voice of support for Taiwan in all international forums. Guatemala is Taiwan’s most steadfast friend.”
During President Tsai’s visit to Belize, the nation’s Prime Minister John Briceño likewise noted that Taiwan actively assisted Belize in its post-Covid pandemic economic recovery and stabilizing of society. The Taiwan-Belize scholarship program makes Taiwan the prime destination for advanced studies and professional development in the eyes of Belize students. “[Belize students] have all become enamored of Taiwan.” Prime Minister John Briceño then presented President Tsai with the “2023 Support for Democratic Taiwan Initiative” passed by both chambers of Congress to symbolize unwavering support for the Taiwan-Belize friendship.
The Tsai administration’s foreign policy, Hsieh further pointed out, is guided by pragmatism and reciprocity, supporting allies’ long-term, substantive development and continuing mutually beneficial cooperation with democratic partners the world over. Taiwanese expats also play a pivotal role in Taiwan’s civic diplomacy. From President Tsai’s trip this time, we saw the cordial welcome and support of overseas Taiwanese, as well as the bridge of friendship they had built with local governments and non-governmental sectors. For the selfless contributions of overseas Taiwanese and our diplomatic personnel, the DPP extends its deepest appreciation.
Meantime, Hsieh said the DPP expressed regret over the PRC’s gratuitous criticism of President Tsai’s U.S. transits. Such uncalled-for boorishness not only contravenes Taiwan’s prevailing opinion; it runs crosswise with the high marks democracies around the globe have given President Tsai.
Hsieh stressed that, through this trip President Tsai has once more shown the world Taiwan’s steely will and resolve in defending peace and democracy. And Taiwan will continue to accumulate, and flex, its soft power on the world stage in such fields as economics, trade, technology and culture. The Taiwanese people expect no less. The DPP also wishes the other parties in Taiwan can recognize and interpret President Tsai’s diplomatic trip as a success. If so, it will greatly help Taiwan.
