Regarding the Jan. 13 article “Not just a regional conflict: U.S. won’t allow China to invade Taiwan, lawmaker says” by Joel Gehrke, Taiwan’s presidential and legislative elections came to a smooth and peaceful conclusion on January 11. The results once again cemented Taiwan’s status as a beacon of democracy in Asia.
In recent months, however, China continued to suppress Taiwan by poaching its diplomatic allies, pressuring multi-national businesses to downgrade their designation of the island republic, and blocking its international space. China even attempted to sway Taiwan’s elections through disinformation campaigns and military intimidation.
The open and fair election process demonstrated the maturity and resilience of Taiwan’s democracy and civil society, and proved that the citizens of Taiwan will not bow to pressure, or give up their hard-earned way of life. As Hong Kong people’s fight to maintain their freedom and autonomy was met with violent crackdown, the victory of democracy in Taiwan serves as a shining example and shows a better path for all the Chinese people in the world.
Vice President Mike Pence said at a speech last October that the U.S. has stood by Taiwan in defense of her hard-won freedoms. We appreciate the powerful message and cannot agree with him more!
— Louis M. Huang, Deputy Representative, Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States
