KOROR, PALAU: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te mentioned on Friday (Dec 6) he was “assured” of deeper cooperation with the following Donald Trump administration, a day after his name with US Republican Home Speaker Mike Johnson that angered China.
Like different world governments, Taiwan has publicly congratulated Trump on his victory in November’s presidential election because it seeks to get onside with the following US chief.
America doesn’t have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, however Washington has lengthy been Taipei’s biggest backer and provider of arms.
Trump brought on jitters throughout his marketing campaign by suggesting Taiwan ought to pay america for its defence and accusing the island of stealing the US semiconductor trade.
“Taiwan is assured that it’s going to proceed to deepen cooperation with the brand new authorities to withstand authoritarian growth, and create prosperity and improvement for each nations whereas making extra contributions to regional stability and peace,” Lai advised reporters in Palau.
Lai arrived within the tiny Pacific island nation on Thursday after visiting the American territory of Guam the place he spoke with Johnson – the highest-level US contact the Taiwanese chief has had throughout his week-long journey.
China claims Taiwan as a part of its territory and opposes any worldwide recognition of the island. Beijing particularly bristles at high-level official contact between Taipei and Washington.
A 2022 go to to Taiwan by then US Home speaker Nancy Pelosi prompted China to launch army drills across the self-ruled island.
China’s overseas ministry on Friday warned Taiwan that “looking for independence with the assistance of america will inevitably hit a wall”, and known as on Washington to “stop meddling in Taiwan-related affairs”.
In response to a query about potential Chinese language army drills round Taiwan this weekend, Lai mentioned “elevating your fists is not so good as opening your arms”.
Lai additionally insisted that Taiwan and China have been “not subordinate to one another”.
“Irrespective of what number of army workouts, warships and plane China sends to coerce neighbouring nations, it can not win the respect of any nation,” Lai mentioned.