Former US Officials Reaffirm Support for Taiwan Amid Election Controversy
Former senior US officials reaffirmed 'rock solid' American support for Taiwan in a visit Monday after the self-ruled island defied threats from China by electing a new president loathed by Beijing. The visit came after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai Ching-te on his win and Taiwans people for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust democratic system and electoral process.
US Support for Taiwan
Former senior US officials visited Taiwan to reaffirm the unwavering support for the self-ruled island, following its recent election of a new president. The election of Lai Ching-te, a staunch defender of Taiwans sovereignty, has sparked controversy and defiance from China.
The Pacific Island nation of Nauru has cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan for a second time.
In a meeting with Taiwans incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen, former US national security adviser Stephen Hadley congratulated Taiwan on the elections on behalf of the American people, praising the self-ruled islands democracy as a 'shining example for the world.' He reaffirmed that 'the American commitment to Taiwan is rock solid, principled and bipartisan.'
The Biden administration dispatched an unofficial delegation to Taiwan following the election, signaling continued US support for the island amid growing tensions with China. The visit aimed to underscore the US bipartisan support for Taiwan and to advance shared interests and values, strengthening the longstanding unofficial relationship between the two nations.
An unofficial US delegation meets with Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te and Vice-President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim in Taipei on January 15, 2024.
Taiwan's International Relations
Taiwan has bolstered its ties with democratic partners, particularly the US, which has been its biggest international backer. The self-ruled island has received increased support and arms sales from the US during Tsais presidency, solidifying their strong partnership.
Lai and Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim, a prominent figure in Washington, expressed gratitude to the US as 'Taiwans most important partner' and vowed to deepen cooperation in defending peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. They emphasized the flourishing relationship between Taiwan and the US and its role in preserving regional prosperity and stability.
China's Response and Cross-Strait Tensions
Chinas response to the US delegation's visit and congratulatory messages to Taiwan has been one of anger and opposition. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and has condemned the US for violating the one-China principle by extending support and congratulations to the newly elected president of Taiwan.
The Chinese embassies in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada also lashed out at their host countries for congratulating Lai on his victory, signaling the global implications of the cross-strait tensions. Under Xi Jinpings leadership, China has intensified pressure on Taiwan, and Lais election is unlikely to ease the strained relations between the two sides.
The historical context of the US-Taiwan relationship, dating back to the formal diplomatic ties between the two nations in 1979, further complicates the situation. While the US is bound by law to provide defense support to Taiwan, it has maintained deliberate ambiguity regarding its stance on defending the island in case of a Chinese attack.
