Taiwan faces a choice not between the US and China, but whether to align itself with democracy against authoritarianism, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) told an expatriate group in New York on Sunday.
“There is no such question for Taiwan as to whether it should be pro-China or pro-US... The answer is clear: Taiwan must choose to side with like-minded democratic states,” Lin said when giving a speech on Taiwanese politics and the global situation at the nonprofit Taiwan Center.
Amid tumultuous US-China relations, Taiwan is playing an increasingly important role in global politics and the regional economy, Lin said, suggesting that Washington and Taipei should work together to invest in other nations.
Photo: CNA
Lin said that Taiwan’s special municipalities should seek exchanges with state governments or legislatures in the US to further cement ties.
As many young Taiwanese are engaged in politics, young city or county councilors should also look to build long-term relationships with state legislators in the US, he said.
On the other hand, the DPP also organizes summer camps in Taiwan welcoming young people from overseas so that they can gain a better understanding of the nation, he added.
Lin is on a 13-day visit to the US on behalf of President William Lai (賴清德), the chairman of the DPP.
He is also visiting Washington, Houston, San Francisco and Los Angeles to meet with Taiwanese expatriates and inspect oversees chapters of the DPP.
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