On November 15, President Chen Shui-bian met with a visiting group of the United States Republican National Committee (RNC) and expressed his utmost welcome to the delegation.
President Chen appreciated the Republican Party for adopting Pro-Taiwan policies in its 2004 party platform, which firmly opposes China's use of force against Taiwan and reaffirms the U.S.'s commitment to help Taiwan defend itself. He also expressed his concern over whether the results of the recent U.S. mid-term elections would affect its commitment to Taiwan's self-defense and its arms sales to Taiwan.
During the meeting, President Chen listened to his guests' analyses on the key factors influencing the election outcome, and expressed his respect for the democratic achievements of the United States.
President Chen indicated that he has been striving to deepen and consolidate Taiwan's democracy, as Taiwan was still an authoritarian country 19 years ago. He said he felt honored and proud of his efforts which have achieved remarkable results, citing the example that the people of Taiwan now enjoy the right to elect their own parliamentarians, city mayors, county magistrates and president, and the right of national referendum. According to a report of the US-based Freedom House, Taiwan is rated as a "free" country like the U.S. in political rights and civic freedom. Meanwhile, France-based Reporters Without Borders ranks Taiwan above the United States and Japan in both freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
Led by David Norcross, the RNC delegation's visit was accompanied by Vice Minister Chang Siao-yue of Foreign Affairs. Secretary-General to the President Mark Chen was also present at the meeting.