Tsai praises Taiwan-US ties in address to foreign journalists

2016/12/08

President Tsai Ing-wen met Dec. 6 with U.S. recipients of the 2016 Asia Pacific Journalism Fellowships, praising the robust relations between Taiwan and the U.S. as a solid foundation for promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the Taiwan Strait.

Upon receiving the delegation, Tsai remarked on the close connections between Taiwan and the U.S. on both official and people-to-people levels. Taiwan is the 14th largest export market of the U.S. and its ninth largest trading partner, with the close bilateral ties further evidenced by the two sides’ many shared values such as democracy, freedom, human rights, a free market economy and the rule of law, she said.

The president stressed that her administration’s diplomatic efforts are intended to benefit Taiwan while enhancing regional peace and stability. Ties between Taiwan and the U.S. as well as across the Taiwan Strait, she added, play a vital part in these endeavors. “We attach great importance to these relations,” she noted, reiterating her hope that the two sides of the strait can sit down and talk as soon as possible to find solutions to issues of mutual concern.

Regarding Taiwan’s role on the global stage, the president said that the country is able and determined to actively participate in international cooperation and exchange views on various issues.

She further reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to its relationship with the U.S. and said she hopes ties will continue to strengthen in the future.

Organized by Hawaii-based education and research institution the East-West Center, APJF has since 1998 regularly invited U.S. media to visit Taiwan to help the American public better understand the country.

This year, Taipei’s Shih Hsin University is sponsoring a one-week trip for journalists from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Foreign Policy, National Public Radio, USA Today, The Washington Post and The Washington Times. The group will meet with local academics, business leaders, government officials and members of nongovernmental organizations.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=250142&ctNode=2194&mp=9)