High-ranking U.S. Official Visits Taiwan|美官員黃之瀚訪台 提"台美3確定"

President Tsai Ing-wen attended an American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei event on Mar. 21, where she shared a stage with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Alex N. Wong. Wong is the first high-ranking U.S. official to visit Taiwan since the passage of the Taiwan Travel Act earlier this month. He said the U.S.' commitment to Taiwan will not change even if the administration or president changes. President Tsai Ing-wen and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Alex N. Wong shared a stage and made a toast during an American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei banquet on Mar. 21. Wong is the first high-ranking U.S. official to visit Taiwan since U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Taiwan Travel Act into law earlier this month. In her remarks, Tsai said surprising progress has been made in Taiwan-U.S. relations. Just a few days ago, we were pleased President Trump signed the Taiwan Travel Act into law. We're grateful. The announcement of a major arms sale last year within the first five months of President Trump's administration showcased the United States' unwavering commitment to Taiwan's continued safety and security. Wong was born in the U.S. to parents from Hong Kong. He said he has a liking for Taiwan's stinky tofu, and previously successfully persuaded his friends to try the delicacy. Wong laughingly added this was like overcoming the challenges in the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. According to Wong, the U.S. has always been a close friend and partner of Taiwan. The U.S. commitment to Taiwan doesn't change from administration to administration, or from president to president. It doesn't change with the rise or fall of the fortunes of other powers in the region. It doesn't change with the emergence of new challenges or new threats. The Taiwan Travel Act allows senior government officials from Taiwan and the U.S. to visit each other's countries. China did not react well to the passage of the act. On Mar. 21, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hua Chunying said China firmly opposes the so-called Taiwan Travel Act and has lodged stern representations with the U.S. In response, U.S. Department of State East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau spokesperson Grace Choi said in an email that Wong is discussing many important issues related to the U.S.-Taiwan relationship with local authorities during his visit to Taiwan, and he has reaffirmed the U.S.' policies and support of Taiwan.