Republic of China President Tsai Ing-wen today (January 14) held a video conversation with U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft, mentioning for the first time that she will continue to promote membership in the United Nations in the future to let the world know that Taiwan is also an important partner.
The U.S. State Department announced the cancellation of all officials’ travel plans this week, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft also canceled his visit to Taiwan. Craft said via Twitter on Jan. 14 that she had the honor of speaking with President Tsai on the 13th. “We discussed Taiwan being a model for the world in multiple areas, which is a testament to Taiwan’s accomplishments in fighting the 2019 coronavirus disease (CCP virus) and all that Taiwan has to offer in the areas of health, technology and cutting-edge science.”
Kraft tweeted that unfortunately, due to the obstruction of the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan is unable to share these achievements in the UN arena, including the World Health Assembly. “If the pandemic has taught us anything, more information and greater transparency are among the answers.” She made clear to President Tsai that the United States stands with Taiwan and will always stand side by side as a friend and partner, a pillar of democracy.
A press release from the Office of the President of the Republic of China said President Tsai was at the presidential palace in the morning and had a video conversation with Ambassador Craft, the permanent representative of the United States to the United Nations. She said she was pleased that thanks to modern technology, we were able to meet online today, and although Ambassador Craft was unable to make it this time, she hopes to visit Taiwan in the future. She also took the opportunity to thank the Ambassador for his strong support of Taiwan’s international engagement, his commitment to deepening the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, and for being a voice for Taiwan at the most important time.
President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China and U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Craft talk by video message and exchange information with each other. (Courtesy of the Presidential Office)
Tsai noted that Ambassador Craft’s actions are an inspiration to the people of Taiwan, and in fact, everyone loves the Ambassador, whether it’s speaking out publicly on behalf of Taiwan, participating in the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) workshops, or meeting with Ambassador Lee Kwang-jang in New York, Ambassador Craft’s support has brought the two countries closer together and made Taiwan better known to the world.
“The photo of Ambassador Craft on Twitter with the Taiwan black bear puppet in the picture also captures the hearts of Taiwanese people.” Tsai said the bear not only symbolizes Taiwan, but also inspires the younger generation to want to learn more about it and thus work together to help Taiwan become a member of the United Nations.
Tsai stressed, “We will continue to let the world know that Taiwan is a force for good and an important partner, and that we have the ability and determination to contribute to the international community.” Looking ahead, she said, Taiwan will continue to push for membership in the United Nations and its affiliated conferences and activities, and hopes for continued U.S. support, and Ambassador Craft’s advice on how Taiwan can make progress in this regard is invaluable.
Tsai said she regrets that Ambassador Craft was unable to come to Taiwan this time and looks forward to our opportunity to do our part as hosts in the near future, and believes the Ambassador will enjoy Taiwan’s beauty, cuisine and friendly people. Tsai Ing-wen also thanked her again for all she has done for Taiwan and looked forward to meeting her in Taiwan soon.
The Presidential Office said that Tsai and Ambassador Craft also had an in-depth dialogue on Taiwan’s international engagement, deepening cooperation between Taiwan and the United States, sharing democratic ideas, exchanging educational resources, and other related topics.
Daivd Feith, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Security Policy and Multilateral Affairs in the Bureau of Asia-Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, joined the meeting online, while NSC Secretary General Gu Lixiong, Foreign Minister Wu Chiu-sup, and AIT Taipei Office Director Brent Christensen also participated in the video conference.
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