In remarks, President Tsai noted that Congresswoman Johnson had come to Taiwan this past May to attend her inauguration. The fact that Congresswoman Johnson has come a second time this year constitutes a show of recognition and support for Taiwan’s democratic accomplishments, for which the president is very grateful.
The president pointed out that Congresswoman Johnson has worked for many years to raise the status of women. In 2001 she founded the “A World of Women for World Peace Conference” to bring greater visibility to the women who are victims of war and aggression, and the women who engage in the peace movement. The president also expressed hope to engage in in-depth cooperation with Congresswoman Johnson on gender issues so that Taiwan can become a major base for promoting women’s rights in Asia.
Noting that the US had just carried out presidential and congressional elections on November 8, President Tsai congratulated Congresswoman Johnson on her recent election to a 13th consecutive term. She stressed that the US Congress in recent years has passed numerous legislations supporting Taiwan, and Congresswoman Johnson is one of many friends to Taiwan in the Congress who have played an important role in securing the passage of such legislations. President Tsai also said she was thankful for the fact that friends in the US have always come forth at critical junctures to emphasize the importance of Taiwan-US friendship, and she expressed hope that Congresswoman Johnson can continue to lend her great influence to support Taiwan’s participation in the international community.
President Tsai indicated her firm belief that the new US administration and Congress will continue to fulfill its commitment to the security of Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. Taiwan and the US will certainly build on the excellent existing foundation to continue interacting closely on security, economy, and culture. And Taiwan will continue to contribute to the economic prosperity and security of the Asia-Pacific region.
And finally, President Tsai reiterated that although Taiwan may find itself in a difficult position internationally, we nevertheless will do everything we can to make concrete contributions to the world.
