May 20, 2024
No.175
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on May 20 issued a press statement congratulating President Lai Ching-te on his inauguration. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) sincerely welcomes and appreciates the US government’s prompt extension of congratulations.
In the statement, Secretary Blinken congratulated President Lai and the Taiwan people and expressed hope of working with President Lai to advance the shared interests and values of Taiwan and the United States and to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He also commended former President Tsai Ing-wen for her contributions to strengthening ties between Taiwan and the United States over the past eight years.
This statement, which follows one issued by Secretary Blinken in January congratulating Taiwan on its successful elections, again publicly demonstrates strong US support for Taiwan’s freedom and democracy. It underscores the importance the United States attaches to relations with Taiwan and reflects a rock-solid bilateral partnership rooted in shared values.
Democratic Taiwan is a pilot for global peace and a force for global prosperity. Its government will build on the existing robust foundation and continue to work together with the United States to advance cooperation across all domains and safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (E)