Presidential Office thanks US for second COVID-19 vaccine donation
In response to the United States' second donation of COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan, which comprised 1.5 million Moderna doses and arrived around noon on November 1, Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) stated that the Presidential Office sincerely thanks the United States government for once again taking concrete action to support Taiwan. Noting that the US has to date donated a total of 4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan, Spokesperson Chang said this latest donation reflects a virtuous cycle of cooperation between democratic partners in our fight against the pandemic, shows that the Taiwan-US friendship is flourishing in the spirit of "real friends, real progress," and highlights that US government support for Taiwan is rock-solid.
Spokesperson Chang noted that this past June, when Taiwan was facing a serious challenge from the pandemic, the US government acted quickly to donate 2.5 million vaccine doses, which helped Taiwan significantly in overcoming that challenge. During her visit to Taiwan that month, US Senator Tammy Duckworth declared that the US would not let Taiwan "stand alone," a remark which deeply touched the people of Taiwan. As US President Joe Biden said, vaccines are the product of the power of democracy and scientific ingenuity; the US government's move to again extend a helping hand demonstrates a firm belief in democratic values and that Taiwan is not alone.
Spokesperson Chang also noted that, thanks to the tireless work of Taiwan's pandemic response professionals, the togetherness of our people, and continued assistance from our democratic partners, Taiwan gradually emerged from the outbreak of COVID-19 earlier this year, which has been effectively brought under control. To date, over 70% of people in Taiwan have received at least one vaccine shot, and over 30% have received two. The spokesperson again expressed sincere gratitude to the US government for its timely vaccine donations, and said that inspections of this shipment will proceed quickly so that the doses can be distributed and administered via Taiwan's vaccination program.
Spokesperson Chang reiterated that the Presidential Office is deeply thankful to the members of Taiwan's diplomatic corps as well as all others on both sides who were involved in facilitating the prompt delivery of these vaccines. Taiwan and the US are steadfast partners who share the same values, and we are convinced that Taiwan-US cooperation can overcome the challenges of the pandemic and contribute to global public health. Taiwan will continue to deepen all facets of its cooperative partnership with the US, as we work together to maintain regional peace and stability and promote prosperity and development.