Radio Taiwan International
Date: 31 July, 2020
By: Leslie Liao

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says that US arms sales to Taiwan are meant to protect the island’s democracy. Pompeo was speaking during a US Senate review of the State Department’s 2021 budget request. 

Several US senators questioned Pompeo about the State Department’s plans for US-Taiwan relations. Senator Cory Gardner asked Pompeo about President Donald Trump’s plans for trade with Taiwan. Pompeo said that the State Department does not handle matters of trade. However, he said that the US always upholds its promises to the Taiwanese people.

Senator Jeff Merkley asked Pompeo if the enactment of an authoritarian national security law in Hong Kong has changed US perspectives on Taiwan. Merkley also asked Pompeo if the US should be more proactive in supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.     [FULL  STORY]