Taiwan’s Representative to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim (???) on Wednesday said Washington’s support for Taipei remains “rock-solid,” during a reception held that day at Twin Oaks to mark the 110th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Communication and information exchanges between the two countries continue to remain smooth, Hsiao told reporters when asked about the U.S. response this week regarding China’s increased military activities and intimidation against Taiwan.
Thanking Washington for its continued support, Hsiao stressed that the security of Taiwan is critical to regional peace and stability, and is also in the interest of the U.S. and other like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
The National Day celebration at Twin Oaks, the former residence of Taiwanese ambassadors to the U.S. which is now used for official functions, was attended by about 500 guests that included American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman James Moriarty, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, Czech Republic Ambassador to the U.S. Hynek Kmonícek and House Representative Bob Good.
“The world is focusing on Taiwan, but they are at the same time a signal of growing concern,” Moriarty said.
“At the same time those concerns are growing internationally, Taiwan must show to the world community that it remains committed to changes that only it can make for itself,” he said, referring to the need for Taiwan to develop asymmetric defense capabilities.
According to the AIT chairman, the frequent large-scale incursions by Chinese military planes into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) shows the threat is real and imminent.
“There is no change in the U.S. policy. The ‘one-China’ policy is based on the Three Joint Communiques, the Taiwan Relations Act, and more recently we have added the Six Assurances,” he explained in relations to President Joe Biden’s recent comments on the “Taiwan agreement.”
Due to COVID-19, the reception was scaled down this year, accommodating just a quarter of the guests seen in previous years. A variety of Taiwanese snacks and delicacies served included roasted suckling pigs and egg pancakes which were made into the shape of Taiwan and the U.S.
Outside of Washington, Taiwan’s representative office in San Francisco also hosted its own separate event to mark the 110th National Day anniversary on Wednesday.
The Republic of China (Taiwan), has become an important democracy in the world, and its economic strength has also been widely recognized internationally, Lai Ming-chi (???), who heads the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, said in his opening remarks.
The event held at the Crowne Plaza in Foster City also welcomed around 500 guests including member of the California State Senate Dave Cortese, Mayor of Fremont Lily Mei and Cupertino Mayor Darcy Paul.
In Ottawa, the National Day event organized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada was held at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
In Europe, celebrations were held by Taiwan’s representative offices in Hungary, Slovakia and Italy.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel