Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

During a meeting on the morning of September 20 with a delegation from the Atlantic Council, a think tank based in Washington, DC, President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized that the strong and stable Taiwan-US relationship is an important cornerstone for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. She also looks forward to advancing bilateral cooperation and partnership with the United States, and to jointly maintaining a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

In remarks, President Tsai said that since assuming office over two years ago, this is her third meeting with a delegation from the Atlantic Council, and that she is delighted to welcome them to Taiwan. She thanked the delegation leader General Philip Breedlove, who helped to train Taiwan's air force wings, and has been of great value to us.

The president mentioned that General Breedlove's predecessor, Admiral James Stavridis, came to Taiwan just late last month. That's two former NATO Supreme Allied Commanders visiting Taiwan within one month, signifying Taiwan's important role in advancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

President Tsai emphasized that we have always believed that a strong and stable Taiwan-US relationship is an important cornerstone for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan and the United States have always been the best of partners, working together to defend the values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. She looks forward to advancing bilateral cooperation and partnership under the Trump administration's Indo-Pacific strategy, and to jointly maintaining a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. She also hopes that the two countries can increase exchanges on enhancing Taiwan's national defense self-sufficiency and work together to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and within the larger region.

China has recently continued to suppress Taiwan, the president said, including dispatching fighter jets to circle Taiwan, luring away our diplomatic allies, obstructing Taiwan's international participation, and depriving us of our right to host the East Asian Youth Games. In facing these challenges, Taiwan will not bow to pressure. As the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly began earlier this week, she stated, we will continue calling the attention of the United Nations to our ability to contribute more to global issues such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

President Tsai mentioned that China has also continued to use the Internet to maliciously spread false information in an attempt to influence international public opinion. This new type of maneuvering through political influence has already had a negative impact on the operation of democratic countries. She expressed hope that the international community will pay attention and stay vigilant, and that like-minded countries like the United States will continue to firmly support Taiwan and strengthen substantive relationship with Taiwan.