‘FORCE FOR GOOD’: The US secretary of state’s words were said to be a ‘reminder’ that allies should maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan amid Chinese expansion

Taipei Times
Date: Feb 23, 2019
By: Staff writer, with CNA

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called Taiwan a democratic success story and praised its allies’ decision to support the nation in a statement at the two-day 19th Micronesia Presidents’ Summit, which opened in Palau on Wednesday.

In the statement released by the US embassy in Suva — which covers Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu — one day before the summit opened, Pompeo highlighted Taiwan’s “commitment to democracy and open societies,” values he said were shared by the US and the five nations of Micronesia: Palau, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and Nauru.

“Taiwan is also a democratic success story, a reliable partner and a force for good in the world,” Pompeo said.

“As [US] Vice President Mike Pence said, America will always believe Taiwan’s embrace of democracy is an example to be internationally supported,” Pompeo said. “We respect and support the decision those of you have made to continue to support Taiwan.”    [FULL  STORY]