Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has arrived in Taiwan for the first time, to remind the Taiwanese people that the United States is Taiwan's ally. He calls on the new administration to provide Taiwan with the support it needs to defend itself and its freedom.
Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence ensures that America will never abandon our allies across the Pacific. He gave the keynote speech at a forum in Taipei on Friday, making special mention of Taiwan-US relations and their importance in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Pence says that one of China’s goals in annexing Taiwan would be to gain a stranglehold over the global supply of semiconductors. He added that most concerning of all, the fall of Taiwan could likely spark a new nuclear arms race and calls on the new administration to provide Taiwan with the support it needs to defend itself and its freedom.
Pence served as a congressman for 12 years, giving up his re-election as governor of Indiana in 2016 to become the running mate of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. He took office as U.S. Vice President in 2017 and remained in office until January 20, 2021.
In addition to military support, the former V.P. says that the new Trump administration should begin negotiations for a free trade agreement with Taiwan. Urging Taiwan and the United States to engage in further exchanges, Pence is meeting with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) to discuss cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking at the Presidential Office, Pence states that, just as Taiwan will never surrender its freedom, he will continue to be a voice for a strong US-Taiwan relationship in the defense and the benefit of Taiwan, the U.S., and the free world.
With inauguration day imminent, former V.P. Pence’s visit may be just what’s needed to trump authoritarian pressures causing Taiwanese worries about U.S. support.