US: Pompeo congratulates Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen on re-election

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on May 19 took to Twitter to congratulate Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen on re-election. Pompeo praised country’s coronavirus response and also called it a ‘reliable partner’. In a reported statement, Pompeo also ded that United States has a shared vision for region, one that includes rule of law, transparency, prosperity and security for all. 

While China views Tsai as a separatist, bent on formal independence for Taiwan, Pompeo reportedly said that recent COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for international community to see why Taiwan’s pandemic-response model is worthy of emulation. According to an international media outlet, Tsai will assume office for second and final term on May 20. At her inauguration, Tsai will reportedly also say that Taiwan will seek to ‘actively participate’ in international bodies and deepen its cooperation with ‘like-minded countries’.

RE: China's Woes Mount; Tibet Joins Taiwan & Hong-Kong Questions As US Asks For Panchem Lama

‘Taiwan’s resources, expertise are assets’ 

Meanwhile, as Taiwan h been seeking to join a ministerial meeting this month of WHO’s decision-making body, organisation h locked Taiwan out, at China’s request. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province under its ‘one China’ policy and also believes that Taiwan’s efforts are based on politics and t health concerns. However, United States has been supporting island nation and h also said that Taiwan’s resources and expertise are ‘assets’ that could benefit world. 

RE: 'Furr Dams WHO's Credibility': US Condemns World Health Assembly's Taiwan Exclusion

Despite Taiwan's proximity and close commercial links with mainland China, Taiwan has enjoyed remarkable success in combatting pandemic, with only seven deaths and some 400 COVID-19 cases. Earlier this week, United States also condemned Taiwan's exclusion from World Health Assembly saying that WHO's Director-General Tedros ham Ghebreyesus chose t to invite country under pressure from China. 

Pompeo in a statement said, “ United States condemns Taiwan's exclusion from World Health Assembly. At a time when world continues to struggle with COVID-19 pandemic, we need multilateral institutions to deliver on ir stated missions and to serve interests of all member states, t to play politics while lives are at stake”. 

RE: Taiwan Says It Won't Press For WHA Participation

RE: Taiwan: 'Deep Regret' For t Being Invited To WHA