Taipei, June 15 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian on Thursday received Kurt Campbell, a former US defense assistant secretary for Asia-Pacific affairs.
Chen expressed his appreciation for Campbell's past efforts to support and strengthen military exchanges between the United States and Taiwan.
He said that during his tenure in office, Campbell contributed a great deal to the maintenance of peace across the Taiwan Strait and to exchange visits of top-level military personnel of the two countries.
Chen also lauded Campbell for his efforts on the sale of defensive weapons to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act, and for speaking up for Taiwan in the US Congress and at various symposia.
Campbell for his part praised Chen for his "golden performance" since his March 18 presidential election victory.
He said that he is glad to share his experience with Taiwan and to work together for Asia-Pacific regional stability and security, as well as world peace.
Meanwhile, Campbell also visited acting Kuomintang Chairman Lien Chan to exchange views on the international and domestic situation.
Lien, who was roundly defeated by Chen in the election, told Campbell that he is not optimistic about the development of cross-Taiwan Strait relations because Chen's political stance and national policy "remains unclear."