PAWN? Premier William Lai dismissed concern that Taiwan might be a pawn in the US-China conflict, stressing Taiwanese sovereignty and calling on the public to unite

Taipei Times
Date: Oct 06, 2018
By: Peng Wan-hsin, Su Fun-her and Sherry Hsiao  /  Staff reporters, with staff writer and CNA

The government yesterday expressed its appreciation to US Vice President Mike Pence for recognizing Taiwanese democracy and supporting its international space.

Speaking at the Hudson Institute in Washington on Thursday, Pence accused Beijing of using “debt diplomacy” to expand its influence around the world.

Since last year, Beijing has convinced three Latin American nations to cut ties with Taipei and recognize China, Pence said.

“These actions threaten the stability of the Taiwan Strait, and the United States of America condemns these actions,” he said.    [FULL  STORY]