Taiwan a steadfast ally, trading partner of U.S.: President Tsai

ROC Central News Agency

2018/10/10 20:07:49

Taipei, Oct. 10 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Wednesday expressed gratitude for the United States' support of Taiwan's efforts to uphold democracy and said Taiwan was a steadfast democratic ally and reliable trading partner of the U.S.

Tsai made the remarks while receiving Edwin J. Feulner, founder of the Washington-based Heritage Foundation, who is among the 400-plus foreign dignitaries in Taipei for the Oct. 10 National Day celebrations.

"As we face the many challenges that lie ahead, we trust that you will continue to be a strong supporter of Taiwan so that our future generations can live in a free, prosperous, and democratic world as you envisioned when you established the foundation," Tsai said.

She said Washington's recent announcement of a planned US$330 million arms sale to Taiwan and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's recent speech in which he praised Taiwan for its democracy and voiced concerns over the diplomatic and military challenges it was facing were testimony to the robust bilateral relations.

On Taiwan's side, it is a steadfast democratic ally and reliable trading partner of the U.S.. Tsai said, citing as examples a recent deal signed by Taiwan's state-owned oil refiner CPC Corp. to purchase US$25 billion worth of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. and Taiwan's letter of intent to buy American agricultural products.

For his part, Feulner thanked Tsai for what he said was an "inspiring speech" at the National Day celebrations earlier in the day.

Feulner said he was particularly touched by the phrase "no turning back" in Tsai's speech when she was talking about reform.

He said it was reminiscent of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, whom he admired greatly.

(By Shih Hsiu-chuan)
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