U.S. lauds Taiwan’s democracy, blasts China’s ‘antipathy to liberty’

Focus Taiwan
Date: 2019/10/25
By: Chiang Chin-yeh, Elaine Hou and Elizabeth Hsu

Washington, Oct. 24 (CNA) United States Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday praised Taiwan as a

beacon of Chinese culture and democracy, while criticizing China as failing to honor its trade commitments and to observe the right to freedom.

In a speech at the Frederic V. Malek Public Service Leadership Lecture, Pence reaffirmed the U.S.' support for Taiwan.

The U.S. "stood by Taiwan in defense of her hard-won freedoms," he said. "We've authorized additional military sales and recognized Taiwan's place as one of the world's great trading economies and beacons of Chinese culture and democracy."

In China, meanwhile, millions of ethnic and religious minorities are struggling against the Communist Party's efforts to eradicate their religious and cultural identities, Pence said.    [FULL  STORY]