May 26, 2018
No. 122
US Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity, is visiting Taiwan May 26 to 27 with three advisors.
During his stay, Sen. Gardner will exchange views with high-level government officials on how best to continue strengthening Taiwan-US relations and assist Taiwan in responding to diplomatic challenges.
On the eve of departing on a scheduled trip to Asia, Sen. Gardner rearranged his itinerary to include Taiwan, making it his first stop. This gesture is a statement of his staunch support for Taiwan in the face of China’s recently intensified attempts to weaken the country’s position in the international community.
In the lead up to his trip, on May 24, Sen. Gardner introduced the Taiwan International Participation Act of 2018, together with Sen. Edward Markey, ranking Democratic member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity, which would establish a US policy of strong support for Taiwan’s involvement in international organizations.
Sen. Gardner has long been a reliable friend of Taiwan, visiting the country each year for the last three years, and frequently voicing his support for Taiwan in the US Congress. He was a cosigner of the joint Senate letter to World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urging that Taiwan be invited to attend the 71st World Health Assembly as an observer; he also was a signatory to a letter to United Airlines and American Airlines backing their resistance to crude demands by China that they use a designation for Taiwan demeaning to the country’s status.
Sen. Gardner’s firm backing of Taiwan has also been seen in hearings he has held on the security of Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region, and his questions to US administrative agencies regarding Taiwan-US ties, consolidation of Taiwan’s relations with its allies, and Taiwan’s international participation.
MOFA greatly appreciates the visit by Sen. Gardner and his delegation, as well as his invaluable assistance. Taiwan will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as a member of the international community, and work closely with the US to jointly maintain regional peace and stability, and contribute to global development. (E)