COMMITMENT:The US reiterated its support for close cooperation and democratic developments in Taiwan, and welcomed discussions during Tsai Ing-wen’s US visit

Taipei Times
Date: May 23, 2015
By: William Lowther  /  Staff reporter in WASHINGTON

Taiwan is a “vital” partner of the US and Washington is committed to supporting the nation’s “confidence and freedom from coercion,” a senior US Department of State official said on Thursday, adding that Washington welcomes Democratic Progressive party (DPP) Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) visit next month.

In a speech that seemed geared toward boosting the relationship prior to Taiwan’s next presidential election, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Susan Thornton heaped praise on Taiwan as a “society worthy of emulation and envy.”

“We look forward to another dazzling display of Taiwan’s robust democracy in action,” she said.     [FULL  STORY]