Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) yesterday thanked the US for its bipartisan support of Taiwan’s defense, after US Vice President Kamala Harris in an interview said that Washington must support Taiwan’s ability to defend itself.
The Democratic US presidential candidate in an interview with 60 Minutes broadcast on Monday was asked by journalist Bill Whitaker whether she would militarily defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China.
Declining to “get into hypotheticals,” Harris said that “we need to make sure that we maintain a one China policy.”
Photo: AFP
“But that includes supporting Taiwan’s ability to defend itself, including what we need to do to ensure the freedom of the Taiwan Strait,” she added.
She continued to emphasize the need to keep open communication with China, as well as the need to “win the competition for the 21st century.”
While attending a committee hearing at the Legislative Yuan yesterday, Lin thanked the US for its bipartisan support.
The US’ Taiwan Relations Act mandates that Washington assist Taiwan in its self-defense, Lin said.
No matter the ruling party or branch of government, Taiwan has witnessed a strengthening in its relations with the US in recent years, he told lawmakers.
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