McCarthy welcomes Taiwan president to US amid threats from China

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday in the state of California amid threats from China.

McCarthy tweeted a picture from the meeting and said: "The friendship between America and the people of Taiwan has never been stronger."

During a news conference alongside the Taiwanese leader, McCarthy said: "Taiwan is a successful democracy, a thriving economy, and a global leader in health and science."

US relations with Taiwan continue to "expand through dialogue and exchange," he said. "The friendship between the people of Taiwan and America is a matter of profound importance to the free world, and it is critical to maintain economic freedom, peace and regional stability."

"Today was a bipartisan meeting of Republicans and Democrats united together in a place that symbolizes the freedom and the commitment and the bond, that it's only become stronger with the president with us today," he added.

Tsai thanked McCarthy in a tweet for "the warm welcome," and said it was a "pleasure" to be back at the Ronald Reagan Library "enjoying the California sunshine as we work to strengthen the bond between Taiwan and the US."

"It is especially fitting for us to meet here to pay tribute to a distinguished American president and world leader. A man who also played a crucial role in partnership with the US Congress in protecting and fortifying US-Taiwan relations at a time of changing diplomatic realities," said Tsai.

"I reiterated Taiwan's commitment to defending the peaceful status quo where the people of Taiwan may continue to thrive in a free and open society," she said.

Highlighting Regan’s efforts on the US-Taiwanese relationship, she said: "We are stronger when we are together."

"Taiwan strives to be a reliable partner to the world, a cornerstone for stability in the region and a force for good," she said.

"As we confront the unique challenges of our time, let us be mindful of the principles that have forged our great partnerships and bear in mind the lessons of President Reagan's enduring legacy," she added.

The meeting marked the first time that a Taiwanese leader met a senior US official on American soil since 1979 when Washington broke ties with Taipei and officially established diplomatic relations with Beijing.

China said Tuesday that it is opposed to the meeting and indicated Beijing will “resolutely defend” its territorial integrity.

Hours before the meeting Beijing began what it called a “special inspection operation” in the Taiwan Strait which features a joint patrol by Chinese armed forces.

Asked about China's reaction, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said: “There’s no reason for the Chinese to overreact in any way"

“We’ll watch this as closely as we can," he added.