"I respect that and frankly agree with it. But I most of all respect a very democratic decision made by the people of Taiwan," McCain said.
Clinton, in a statement on Tuesday, said that Taiwan's democratic achievements "have earned them the admiration of the entire international community."
"The friendship between the people of Taiwan and the United States has remained deep as democracy on Taiwan has strengthened," she said.
"I hope that under President Ma's capable leadership, Taiwan's political institutions will thrive, and that ways can be found to appropriately expand Taiwan's contributions to the international community," she said.
Clinton also expressed the hope that "cross-Strait dialogue will be possible, and will contribute significantly to a reduction of tensions in the Taiwan Straits [sic] and East Asia."



