Taiwan's President-Elect: Hopeful for Continued 'Strong Support' from the U.S.

Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's president-elect, said on Thursday that he hopes the United States can continue its 'strong support' for Taiwan. He met on Thursday with the first group of American lawmakers to visit Taipei since his election victory earlier this month. Lai, from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and current Vice President, will begin his term on May 20 (about four months from now). China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, believes he is a dangerous separatist and has rejected Lai's proposals for negotiation. Lai addressed the American lawmakers visiting Taipei, stating that democracy and freedom are core values shared with the United States. He said, 'Taiwan is located in the first island chain and is at the forefront of China's authoritarian expansion. This places Taiwan in a strategically important position. Stability across the Taiwan Strait is crucial for peace and prosperity in the region and the world.' Following Lai's victory in the Taiwanese presidential election, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated the people of Taiwan for demonstrating 'the strength of a democratic system' and emphasized the U.S. commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and resolving disputes peacefully without any 'pressure or coercion.' Blinken stated that the U.S. hopes to advance its long-standing informal relations with Taiwan in accordance with the U.S. 'One China' policy through cooperation with Lai and leaders of other parties. U.S. President Joe Biden also reacted to the ruling party's victory in the Taiwanese presidential election, emphasizing that the United States does not support Taiwan's 'independence.' In 2016, when Donald Trump spoke on the phone with Taiwan's president after winning the U.S. presidential election, it angered China. This was the first such conversation between U.S. and Taiwanese leaders since 1979, when Jimmy Carter emphasized the 'One China' policy after severing relations with Taiwan. Since then, the United States has recognized Taiwan as part of China and has followed this policy in recent years. The Taiwanese government opposes China's claim to sovereignty, stating that the People's Republic of China has never governed the island and has no right to interfere or control its fate, which can only be determined by the people of Taiwan. The U.S. response to the Taiwanese presidential election: a demonstration of the strength of a 'strong democratic system.' The ruling party's re-election in Taiwan despite China's threats. The U.S. opposition to any 'foreign interference' in Taiwan's elections. The meeting of the Taiwanese ambassador in the U.S. with Mike Johnson; China protested. The Chinese Foreign Minister: Good relations between Beijing and Washington are no longer an option, but a 'necessity.'