Mayor vowed to deepen alliances with Taipei; China asked not to hold the meeting
United States House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwan President Tsai Ingwen met Wednesday (April 5, 2023) even after China’s request not to hold the meeting.
According to Beijing, the meeting would promote an imbalance in Taiwan’s peace and stability and bring the Chinese people together “against a common enemy.” Although the island has been governed independently since 1949, China considers it part of its territory as a breakaway province.
During the meeting at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, McCarthy pledged to deepen alliances between the United States and Taiwan.
“Friendship between the people of Taiwan and the United States is fundamental to the free world, and maintaining economic freedom, peace and regional stability is vital,” the Republican said, according to the New York Times.
McCarthy told reporters that the US must continue arms sales to Taiwan and ensure that those sales reach Taiwan in a timely manner. “We also need to strengthen our economic cooperation, especially with trade and technology,” he said.
After the meeting, the Taiwanese President thanked the American and the entire US Congress for their support. According to Tsai, the aid was to “reassure the people of Taiwan” that they are not “isolated” or “alone.”
“In our efforts to protect our way of life, Taiwan is grateful to have the United States by our side as we face the unique challenges of our time,” he said.
The meeting between authorities could escalate tensions between the US and China as thenHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosy visited the Taiwan Straits on Aug. 2, 2022. China said at the time it opposed the congressmen’s trip to the island. In response, Beijing held military exercises in the region.
This Wednesday (April 5), the White House attempted to distance itself from the matter. Spokesperson Karine JeanPierre told reporters that Tsai Ingwen’s US trip was “private” and “unofficial.”
“There should be no overreaction from China […] Nothing will change in our One China policy. We made that very clear,” he said.