December 1, 2018
No. 316
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses profound sorrow at the death of George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, who passed away in his home state of Texas during the night of November 30, at the age of 94. The Ministry has extended sincere condolences and sympathies to the Bush family from the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) through its Representative Office in the United States.
During his term from 1989 to 1993, which saw the end of the Cold War, President Bush led coalition forces in the first Gulf War, successfully repelling Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. His outstanding leadership earned high regard for having safeguarded the free international order.
President Bush was also an important and longstanding friend of Taiwan. In addition to supporting Taiwan’s accession to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), he approved the sale of 150 F-16 fighter jets, fulfilling the US commitment to Taiwan’s security under the Taiwan Relations Act. After stepping down in January 1993, President Bush demonstrated his staunch support by visiting Taiwan in November of the same year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences on the death of President Bush, and extends its highest respects and gratitude regarding his lifetime contributions to freedom and democracy, and his profound friendship to our nation. (E)