TAIPEI: Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen thanked visiting US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday for her concrete steps to support Taiwan at this critical moment, saying the island faces growing military threats. Will not back down.
The pair met in Taipei on Wednesday as part of Pelosi’s visit to the island that has drawn sharp criticism from China, prompting Beijing to announce a fleet of military exercises and summon the US ambassador. .
Tsai also told Pelosi on Wednesday that she is one of Taiwan’s most devoted friends and thanked her for her unwavering support internationally.
Tsai added that Taiwan is a reliable partner of the United States and will continue to work with the United States to strengthen cooperation in security, economic development and supply chain.
Later in a joint press conference, Pelosi honored the “One China” policy, saying that our solidarity with Taiwan is more important than ever.
Pelosi added that the United States supports the status quo and does not want anything to happen to Taiwan by force.
Asked about the economic consequences for Taiwan as a result of her visit, Pelosi said the US CHIPS Act opens the door to better economic exchanges between the US and Taiwan.
Taiwan is committed to maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, Tsai said, adding that China’s military exercises launched in response to Pelosi’s visit were an unnecessary response.
