Taiwan's leader Tsai meets US House Speaker McCarthy in California
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Loading... - Daniel Umutoni
- 06 Apr 2023
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U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R) welcomes Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen in Simi Valley, California, U.S., April 5, 2023. (AFP Photo)
BY DEUTSCHE PRESSE-AGENTUR - DPA APR 06, 2023 12:59 PM
Taiwan's leader Tsai Ing-wen met with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during a stopover in California on Wednesday in a high-profile visit condemned by Beijing as a diplomatic provocation.
Tsai, who attended a bipartisan meeting held by McCarthy at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library outside of Los Angeles, warned that "democracy is under threat" as she spoke alongside the U.S. speaker in his home state. "It is no secret that today the peace we have maintained and the democracy which we have worked hard to build are facing unprecedented challenges," Tsai said.
"We once again find ourselves in a world where democracy is under threat and the urgency of keeping the beacon of freedom shining cannot be understated." Speaking to the press, McCarthy said he had a "very productive discussion" with the Taiwanese leader.
"Based on our conversation, it's clear several actions are necessary: first we must continue arms sales to Taiwan and make sure such sales reach Taiwan on a very timely basis," the top Republican said. He went on to say that Washington must strengthen its "economic cooperation, particularly with trade and technology" and that it must continue to promote "shared values on the world stage."
Tsai stopped in the U.S. on her return from Central America, where she met with the leaders of Guatemala and Belize. The White House insists her time in the U.S. is not an official visit. Read More…
