On his stopover in Hawai’i President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) spoke to U.S. dignitaries, including former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, via phone and video calls to discuss articles of mutual interest.
Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) reported that the president spoke to a number of officials from both parties, though only Pelosi was mentioned by name. Their call lasted about twenty minutes and included topics such as avoiding double taxation, views on the semiconductor industry, AI, and China’s military threats to Taiwan. Pelosi reiterated her support for Taiwan and a commitment to supporting Taiwanese bids to participate in international organizations. She also mentioned that Taiwan enjoys bipartisan support in the U.S. and praised the spirit of the Taiwanese people’s commitment to freedom, democracy, and successful economic development. According to Kuo, Pelosi said that Taiwan’s absence in the Indo-Pacific region would have unimaginable impacts on both the global economy and security.
As for the other officials Lai may have spoken to, their names were not released to the public– the presidential spokesperson only reminded curious parties that it is the common practice of Taiwan’s presidents to speak to good friends when traveling. What we do know is that he spoke with members of all parties, who, like his reportedly warm and amicable discussion with Pelosi, all expressed their unanimous support for Taiwan.