President Tsai meets US Senator Cory Gardner
On the evening of May 26, President Tsai Ing-wen met with Senator Cory Gardner, Chairman of the US Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy. The president reiterated that Taiwan seeks international participation not simply to obtain that which, of right, ought to be ours, but also to show our willingness to take up our responsibilities as a member of the global community. China's suppression will only rally the world to support Taiwan. President Tsai also thanked Senator Gardner for changing his travel plans to visit Taiwan, showing the importance he attaches to Taiwan.
President Tsai stated that she was pleased to see Senator Gardner, which was the third time they met at the Presidential Office since she took office. But, today's meeting held special significance given recent events, she said.
The president pointed out that recent weeks have seen China circuit Taiwan with its military aircraft, suppress Taiwan diplomatically, entice our allies to break ties with us, prevent our participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA), and pressure multinational companies to refer to Taiwan by other than our rightful name. She stated that these crass political moves show that China is attempting to change the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The US government has also said as much recently, she said.
President Tsai stated that it is at such a time, Senator Gardner elected to change his travel plans to visit Taiwan, showing the importance he attaches to Taiwan. More importantly, she said, it shows the people of Taiwan the staunch and increasingly ardent friendship of the United States.
Senator Gardner has long been a reliable friend of, and voice for, Taiwan in the US Congress. For many years, he has worked to strengthen the US-Taiwan relationship, and to help bolster Taiwan's international participation, said the president.
President Tsai noted that Senator Gardner recently introduced the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, outlining a US policy framework that demonstrates a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Just before coming to Taiwan, the president mentioned, Senator Gardner introduced, along with Senator Ed Markey, the Taiwan International Participation Act of 2018, urging that the US government support Taiwan's participation in international organizations. For this, on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, President Tsai expressed her gratitude to Senator Gardner.
The president reiterated that Taiwan seeks international participation not simply to obtain that which, of right, ought to be ours, but also to show our willingness to take up our responsibilities as a member of the global community. Taiwan's efforts to join the World Health Organization (WHO) is one such example.
President Tsai pointed out that Taiwan's advanced healthcare abilities make it a model for the international community. We have the capacity and the willingness to work together with the international community to contribute to the enhancement of public health. We also believe that the WHO is not about politics, but about the health of humankind, she said.
The president emphasized that Taiwan has this sense of duty to be an upright citizen of the globe. China's suppression will only rally the world to support Taiwan. Meanwhile, we will not be shaken from our commitment to engaging with the world.
In closing, President Tsai once again welcomed Senator Gardner to Taiwan, letting the people of Taiwan feel his friendship. The president also wished him a successful Asia tour, and expressed hope for another visit to Taiwan.
Following President Tsai's remarks, Senator Gardner delivered remarks of his own. He stated that Taiwan shows the world an excellent example of leadership, and China could learn from the example of international and global leadership that Taiwan has presented. He then commended Taiwan for its contribution of US$1 million to the efforts to combat the outbreak of Ebola in Africa. This is a very significant health concern, he said, adding that it shows the leadership that Taiwan is not only prepared to deliver, but is in fact carrying out.
Senator Gardner believes that the success and security of Taiwan is in the greater interest of the United States, which is the reason he continues his support for the strong relationship between Taiwan and the United States, the Taiwan Relations Act, the Six Assurances, and the agreements that the two countries have entered into on arms sales. The United States will further other opportunities to cooperate with Taiwan, he said.
Senator Gardner stated that Taiwan is supported by the US Congress members, regardless of their party. He said that he is honored to introduce the Taiwan International Participation Act of 2018 and that he will do his best to ensure Taiwan's international participation. Senator Gardner hopes that Taiwan could show its leadership through directly demonstrating it to China or promoting it in international bodies. He then mentioned that with the passage of the Taiwan Travel Act and their new expansion of the American Institute in Taiwan, the opportunities for Taiwan and the United States to work together will only grow. The senator also expressed hope that the Asia Reassurance Initiative will help the United States and Taiwan work together to contribute to the freedom and security of the Asia Pacific region.