Taiwanese president touts McCarthy meeting as proof ‘we are not isolated’

According to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, the island democracy faces a difficult struggle “to protect its way of life.” She touted her meeting with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy as evidence of American solidarity.

“Taiwan strives to be a reliable partner to the world, a cornerstone for stability in the region, and a force for good,” said Tsai on Wednesday at the Reagan Library. She went on to quote a saying from the Confucian Analects: “One who is virtuous will not stand alone.” acknowledging the role of the United States in helping her country maintain its way of life.

Tsai’s meeting with McCarthy was highly anticipated and occurred under the shadow of China’s threats to retaliate over the Republican leader’s “wrong signals” to Taiwan, which the communist regime has vowed to bring under Beijing’s authority. However, both leaders attempted to address their ideological alignment while being careful about openly expressing political ties.

“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,” McCarthy said. “We will honor our obligations and reiterate our commitment to our shared values, behind which all Americans are united.”

Neither leader mentioned China by name, but Tsai spoke of the danger that Taiwan faces, and the importance of maintaining democracy and freedom. Chinese officials later declared the meeting a violation of Beijing’s sovereignty over Taiwan.

Tsai saw the meeting as a tribute to the role of Ronald Reagan in establishing the political contours of the unofficial U.S. relationship with Taiwan in the years after Jimmy Carter cut diplomatic relations with Taipei. She was also pleased that the meeting included bipartisan congressional leaders who had taken time out of their busy schedules to offer unwavering support.

Reagan issued Taiwan with Six Assurances, which emphasized that the United States would take no formal position on the sovereignty dispute between Beijing and Taipei, “would not mediate between Taiwan and China,” and “would not consult with China in advance” of any arms sales to the island.

McCarthy affirmed that unity in terms that emphasized social and economic connections rather than political links with Taiwan.

“I believe our bond is stronger now than at any time or point in my lifetime,” McCarthy said. “Our cooperation with the people of Taiwan continues to expand through dialogue and exchange.”