Pelosi visits Legislative Yuan, calls Taiwan ‘one of freest societies in the world’
Before Pelosi and her delegation visited President Tsai, the first stop in her itinerary was the Legislative Yuan. The Americans were received by Deputy Speaker Tsai Chi-chang, who commended U.S. House Speaker Pelosi for being an unwavering ally for Taiwan. Pelosi said that to be called a good friend of Taiwan was a great compliment that she accepted on behalf of the U.S. Congress. Pelosi stressed that the U.S. would never back away from Taiwan, adding that Taiwan was one of the freest societies in the world.
The delegation led by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the Legislative Yuan on Wednesday morning. Speaker You Si-kun was unable to attend the occasion, as he is in isolation after testing positive for COVID. The delegation was instead received by Deputy Speaker Tsai Chi-chang.
The caucus whips from several parties and members from the Foreign and National Defense Committee escorted Pelosi to the meeting room.
Tsai Chi-chang
Deputy legislative speaker
I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to the U.S. Congress for your concrete action in providing rock-solid support for Taiwan. Speaker Pelosi is Taiwan’s true friend, and Taiwan is the U.S.’ reliable ally. Taiwan will stand by its commitment to defend democracy, freedom and human rights together with the U.S. and global democratic allies to safeguard their hard-earned democratic and free way of life.
Nancy Pelosi
US House speaker
All of that was done in a very strong bipartisan way in support for Taiwan. When you say that I’m a good friend of Taiwan, I take that as a great compliment. But I receive it on behalf of my colleagues. In terms of governance we commend Taiwan for being one of the freest societies in the world, for your success in addressing the COVID issue, which is a health and security issue, an economic issue, and a governance issue.
Deputy Speaker Tsai praised Pelosi’s actions to defend democracy. After the reception, Pelosi joined Tsai, KMT caucus whip Tseng Ming-chung, DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming, Taiwan People’s Party caucus whip Chiu Chen-yuan and New Power Party caucus whip Chiu Hsien-chih for closed-door talks lasting about half an hour.
Tseng Ming-chung
KMT legislative caucus whip
The KMT and all other parties hope to strengthen our cooperation on trade and supply chains, especially in integrated-circuit manufacturing. TSMC is the best at integrated circuits. Every party hopes to strengthen bilateral cooperation on this matter.
Ker Chien-ming
DPP legislative caucus whip
I need only four words to describe Speaker Pelosi: “courageous and fearless woman.” Her support for her ideals and values has always been consistent, and has been unwavering. That is an extremely important trait to have.
During a press conference at midday, reporters asked Pelosi whether more high-ranking officials would visit Taiwan in the future. She was also asked about her thoughts on China’s response to her visit, such as the military drills and the suspension of Taiwanese food imports. Pelosi replied with good humor, stressing that safeguarding Taiwan’s security was an important task.
Nancy Pelosi
US House speaker
They made a big fuss because I’m speaker, I guess. I don’t know if that was a reason or an excuse, because they didn’t say anything when the men came. In terms of our visit here, and whether would that lead to other visits – I certainly hope so. What matters to us is that we salute the successes of Taiwan, we work together for the security of Taiwan.
One day before Pelosi’s visit, China suspended imports of thousands of Taiwanese food products, affecting more than 100 Taiwanese companies. One reporter asked Pelosi whether her visit would bring any tangible benefits that could offset those economic losses. She replied that the U.S. had recently passed the Chips and Science Act, which could give rise to better bilateral economic exchanges.
Nancy Pelosi
US House speaker
We want to increase our relationship, so I think we could say that that would be a goal we share, but with this CHIPS act, we’re really facilitating, reaching that goal. Chips and science
Another reporter asked Pelosi about what other countries could do as they are forced to choose between authoritarianism and democracy with China’s economic rise. Pelosi said that Taiwan’s people were an example to follow on how to make their country more democratic.
Nancy Pelosi
US House speaker
We have to show the world the success of the people of Taiwan. Their courage to change their own country to become more democratic. We want Taiwan to always have freedom and security, and we are not backing away.
Pelosi said that she deeply respected Taiwan as a model for democracy and freedom in the region. She added that the U.S. wanted Taiwan to always have freedom and security, stressing that Washington would never back away from that.
2022-08-03