Representative to the US Alexander Yui (俞大㵢) attended the funeral of former US senator Lindsey Graham yesterday to pay what he described as Taiwan's "highest respects" to a "steadfast ally."
The longtime senator and close political ally of US President Donald Trump died on July 11 at the age of 71.
Photo: CNA
Speaking to reporters outside the Washington National Cathedral, where the funeral was held, Yui said he was attending on behalf of President William Lai (賴清德), Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) and the people of Taiwan.
Yui described Graham as a steadfast supporter of Taiwan since he was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 1994.
Graham consistently supported Taiwan's democracy, freedom and security through legislation and public advocacy, he said.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Graham repeatedly argued that "Taiwan cannot become the next Ukraine" and spared no effort in supporting Taiwan's defense and security, Yui said.
Yui also said that Graham led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Taiwan in 2022, demonstrating his support for the nation through concrete action.
"We will always remember his support, and by attending his funeral, we are paying our highest respects," Yui said.
Asked whether he expected to interact with Trump or other world leaders attending the funeral, Yui declined to comment, saying only that his purpose was to pay tribute to Graham.
The funeral was also attended by Trump and members of his Cabinet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom Graham met with a day before his death.
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