In the United States, Taiwanese president hails the "unwavering support" of the United States

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen meets with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, U.S., April 5, 2023. REUTERS - DAVID SWANSON

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Officially in transit in the United States on her return from a trip to Latin America, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. A meeting denounced by the Beijing authorities.

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With our correspondent in Washington, Guillaume Naudin

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It's not up to China to tell me who I can meet or not ». Kevin McCarthy was very direct when receiving the Taiwanese president on his land in California, more precisely in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, a president who has done a lot for the relationship between Taiwan and the United States, recalled Kevin McCarthy.

As there is no shortage of points of contention in US politics, he returned to his country's unity on support for Taiwan. The third figure of the US state assured that the relationship between Taipei and Washington was "stronger" than it has ever been "in (his) lifetime".

An assertion amplified by the Democrats and Republicans who are also members of the delegation. Its members affirmed that this meeting was to defend freedom, democracy, allies in the region and stability in the Indo-Pacific. "Their presence and unwavering support reassure the Taiwanese people that we are not isolated, we are not alone," Tsai Ing-wen said.

Regional stability

This stability in the region is also one of the priorities of the French ally of the Americans, President Emmanuel Macron, on a state visit to Beijing. Kevin McCarthy sees no contradiction with his own approach. Communication is always better than shows of force, he said.

I think more communication between nations is positive. I believe that showing military strength is not. Communication is more powerful.

Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Guillaume Naudin

He does not refrain from visiting Taiwan one day. The last time former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi did so, China launched the largest military maneuvers in history near the nationalist island and greatly reduced communications with its American rival.

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Read on on the same topics:

• United States
• Diplomacy
• Taiwan
• China