Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2018-08-24

President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday met Admiral Scott Swift, former commander of the US

President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday met Admiral Scott Swift, former commander of the US Pacific Fleet, at the Presidential Office in Taipei. (CNA file photo)

Pacific Fleet, at the Presidential Office in Taipei. Swift, now retired, was commander of the US Pacific Fleet from 2015 to May this year. It is his first visit to Taiwan.

Tsai thanked Swift for his support for Taiwan during his time in command. This included pushing for Taiwan to be involved in rescue and humanitarian missions, as well as for further military exchanges with the United States.

The president said China has stepped up its military exercises in the East China Sea in recent months, with activities specifically targeting Taiwan. These include drills encircling Taiwan from sea and air. These have gone hand in hand with tactics intended to suppress Taiwan’s space in the international community.    [FULL  STORY]