US Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday gave a speech on the US government's China policy. During his speech, Pence mentioned Taiwan twice and criticized China for using checkbook diplomacy to entice the ROC's allies to switch their allegiance. In addtion, Pence said the US would continue to stand by Taiwan and praised Taiwan as a beacon for Chinese culture and democracy. He also called on international society to interact with Taiwan. The ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by expressing its sincerest gratitude.
On the 24th, US Vice President Mike Pence gave a speech on the US' China policy. He mentioned Taiwan twice in the speech and said the US would stand with Taiwan.
And we've stood by Taiwan, in defense of her hard-won freedoms. Under this administration, we've authorized additional military sales and recognized Taiwan's place as one of the world's great trading economies and beacons of Chinese culture and democracy.
Pence also slammed China for using checkbook diplomacy to poach ROC allies in the past year and putting pressure on Taiwan's democracy. Pence called on the international community to interact with Taiwan.
The international community must never forget that its engagement with Taiwan does not threaten the peace. It protects peace on Taiwan and throughout the region. America will always believe that Taiwan's embrace of democracy shows a better path for all the Chinese people.
Pence proceeded to praise US President Donald Trump, hailing Trump as the president with the toughest stance on China ever in US history. Pence also condemned China for violating human rights and going back on its word in trade talks, but said the US would continue seeking a better relationship with China. On the 25th, the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement of its "sincerest gratitude" to Pence for calling Taiwan a beacon for democracy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its sincerest gratitude to the US government for its continuous and public statements of support for Taiwan and its concrete actions demonstrating US commitment to safety and regional peace in the Taiwan Strait.
State-owned Chinese newspaper Global Times also responded to Pence's speech with an editorial, saying Pence was singing the same old tune. It also called on the US to stop its smear campaign against China and interference in China's internal affairs, including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. The editorial also said Pence's speech was aimed at currying favor with voters ahead of the Republican Party's presidential primary.