August 23, 2018
AIT Press Release #: PR-1825
Earlier today, AIT Director Brent Christensen met with President Tsai Ing-wen for the first time since assuming duties as Director of the American Institute in Taiwan. They discussed a wide range of issues, including the U.S.-Taiwan trade relationship, cooperation aimed at expanding Taiwan’s international space, and cross-Strait relations.
In his opening remarks, Director Christensen said, “I believe our relationship with Taiwan today is as good as it has ever been, but together with President Tsai, I look forward to taking our relationship to new levels of friendship and cooperation.”
Director Christensen also highlighted Taiwan’s key role in the Indo-Pacific region, saying, “Taiwan is a reliable partner and an important player in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States knows that Taiwan shares our interests and values, and we rely on Taiwan to promote regional stability and peace. The United States and Taiwan stand together to protect what we hold most dear: our freedom, our democracy, and our future.”
Director Christensen also expressed that he was deeply disappointed by the break in ties between Taiwan and El Salvador, adding that China’s unilateral efforts to alter the status quo were harmful and undermined the framework that has enabled peace, stability, and development in the region for decades. He reaffirmed that “the United States will continue to support Taiwan as it expands its significant global contributions, and as it resists efforts to constrain its appropriate participation on the world stage.”
