Tsai congratulates US President-elect Trump in phone call

2016/12/05

Republic of China (Taiwan) President Tsai Ing-wen engaged in a telephone conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at 11:00 p.m. Dec. 2, Taiwan time, offering congratulations for his election victory on behalf of the people and government of Taiwan and exchanging views on key policy matters, according to the Office of the President.

During the more than 10 minute call, Tsai said that she was very impressed by Trump and his team’s ability to emerge victorious in the fiercely contested race. She also expressed confidence that he will serve as an outstanding leader after taking office in January.

In addition, Tsai and Trump shared their views on several important issues, including the need to promote economic development and strengthen national defense so that citizens can enjoy better lives and security.

The pair further discussed current situations in Asia, with Tsai expressing Taiwan’s desire for enhanced bilateral interactions as well as continuous support from the U.S. in its quest for more opportunities to participate in international affairs and make contributions.

Minister of Foreign Affairs David Tawei Lee, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu, Acting Secretary-General to the President Liu Chien-sin and Office of the President spokesperson Huang Chung-yen were present for the call.

Following the conversation, Trump tweeted “The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency. Thank you!”

The conversation, the first between the ROC (Taiwan) president and U.S. president or president-elect since official ties were severed in 1979, has received positive responses from Capitol Hill. Sen. Tom Cotton stated that Washington maintains close ties with Taiwan and supports its democratic system under the Taiwan Relations Act. He commended Trump for the conversation, which he said “reaffirms our commitment to the only democracy on Chinese soil.”

In a statement to The Hill, a Washington, D.C.-based newspaper, Rep. Matt Salmon praised Trump for talking with Tsai, adding that America has always been a champion of democratic ideals and individual freedoms. “I applaud the president-elect for making a strong statement in support of those values around the world.”

Rep. Luke Messer told The Hill that “Taiwan is a great friend of America and I see nothing wrong with the president-elect letting the world see that,” while Rep. Peter King tweeted “Plaudits to President-elect Trump for his historic phone call to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.”

Tsai, who doubles as chairperson of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, was elected in January this year as Taiwan’s first female president and took office in May.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=250039&ctNode=2194&mp=9)