President Office Expresses Gratitude to U.S. Support|美副總統演說支持台灣 我總統府:感謝

On Taiwan's side, the Presidential Office expressed gratitude to U.S. Vice President Mike Pence for his support in his recent speech. However, several foreign media had reported that the U.S. is using Taiwan as a pawn to curb China's influence. Regarding this speculation, Premier William Lai responded that such statement should not exist.


On October 4, U.S. local time, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence gave a speech in Washington, in which he condemned China's move that influenced three of Taiwan's former allies to sever ties and recognize Beijing instead. Pence said the move has threatened the stability in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's Presidential Office issued a statement on the morning of 5 Oct., and expressed gratitude for the U.S.' cognition of Taiwan's democratic achievements, support for Taiwan international space, and its concerns over the regional security. The office also said that President Tsai's good will towards, cross-strait relations remains unchanged, and that the administration will not resort to confrontation nor succumb under pressure. The office said that, as a member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with other countries in the region to help maintain regional peace and stability, and to contribute to the security and well-being for people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Pence' latest speech that condemns China and supports Taiwan, coupled with the recent rumors that the U.S. will conduct military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, has led many to speculate that the U.S. is using Taiwan as a pawn to confront China. Premier William Lai commented on the speculation, saying that there's no need to worry.

It's a fact that China is trying to take over Taiwan. America is the leader of the democratic world, and I think defending the freedom of democratic nations is in line with their national spirit. There's no need to worry that our supporter is using us a as a pawn. Such statement isn't true.

As frictions between the U.S. and China continue to intensify, questions were asked about whether the Ministry of National Defense are aware of the developments over the Taiwan Strait, and whether Taiwan will be involved in the stand-off between the two. The defense minister responded by saying that this speculation was done by foreign media and the U.S. has also declined to comment such speculations.

As far as we know, the U.S. government has declined to comment on the rumors. From our stand point, there is no need to comment on the U.S. own military actions and decisions. We also would not want to comment on the development in the region, including in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. We have the capability to handle the changes and developments in the region, and to defend our national safety. I'd like to be clear about that. And I hope our citizens could rest assured.

On the other hand, legislators from both major parties believe factors such as the U.S.-China trade war, and frictions in the South China Sea should not have too much impact on the upcoming local elections in November.