President Tsai addresses NDI Virtual Democracy Gala

2020/12/10

President Tsai Ing-wen said Dec. 9 that the relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. will continue to grow closer as the like-minded partners build on existing ties and seek new areas of collaboration.
 
 Taiwan and the U.S. are firm friends who share many values, including support for marriage equality and a deep-seated respect for human rights, Tsai said. The government is grateful for the long-standing bipartisan support from Washington that has proven such a great source of reassurance to the people, she added.
 
 Tsai made the remarks during a speech delivered from the Presidential Office in Taipei City and broadcast at the Virtual Democracy Gala held by Washington-based National Democratic Institute.
 
 Established in 1983 in response to a call from then U.S. President Ronald Reagan, NDI promotes freedom and democracy through collaboration with advocacy groups and political parties around the world.
 
 According to Tsai, Taiwan is on the frontline of defending democratic values in Asia, with the country continuing to strengthen its human rights protections as seen from the establishment of the national Human Rights Commission and successful passage of judicial reform earlier this year.
 
 Its position as one of Asia’s freest and most vibrant democracies means Taiwan must remain vigilant and fully prepared for attempts to destabilize society, Tsai said, noting a rise in disinformation campaigns and other influence operations seen around the world.
 
 Tsai also took the opportunity to congratulate Vice President-elect Kamala Harris for being the first woman to hold the position in the U.S., and paid tribute to House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was honored with the NDI Democracy Award during the event.
 
 Unprecedented levels of enthusiasm and turnout during the U.S. presidential election are a reminder of how much people cherish their democratic way of life, Tsai said. These values will always bind Taiwan and the U.S., she added.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)