Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

While meeting on the afternoon of July 11 with a delegation led by retired Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, former US Chief of Naval Operations, President Tsai Ing-wen stressed that Taiwan and the United States are working together to defend the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. She also expressed hope that the two sides can keep cooperating to ensure that these values will continue to shape the future of the Asia-Pacific region.

In remarks, President Tsai noted that as the former commander of the US 7th Fleet, Admiral Greenert once commanded the largest fleet in the US Navy, and in that capacity protected the security of the Asia-Pacific region. During his tenure as Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Greenert played an irreplaceable role in promoting military exchanges between Taiwan and the US and supporting Taiwan's policy of indigenous submarine production. His actions carried great significance for Taiwan's national defense self-sufficiency, and contributed greatly to regional peace and collective security. The visit of this delegation, the president added, highlights the firm partnership that exists between Taiwan and the US, especially with respect to regional security and peace.

President Tsai stated that the world currently faces a plethora of traditional and non-traditional challenges, and the efforts of Admiral Greenert have shown that the most urgent need at present is for solidarity and cooperation among like-minded nations. The president stressed that Taiwan and the US share a commitment to the defense of the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights, and that only by cooperating can we ensure that these values will continue to shape the future of the Asia-Pacific region.

President Tsai also expressed hope that Admiral Greenert and friends at the National Bureau of Asian Research can continue working, whether through governmental or non-governmental channels, to safeguard the regional order that both sides support, and that they will continue to play a key role in Taiwan-US relations.