Obama vows to support Taiwan’s democracy

In recent congratulatory letter to Taiwan’s new President Ma Ying-jeou on his May 20 inauguration, Obama described Ma’s election as “the latest step in consolidating a democracy that has advanced over the last two decades,” the Nelson Report revealed.

“The people of Taiwan showed great maturity by endorsing a track of peace, prosperity, and good relations with the United States,” he added.

Stating his backing for Taiwan’s democracy, Obama nevertheless said, “I support the ‘one China’ policy of the United States, adherence to the three U.S.-PRC Joint Communiques concerning Taiwan, and observance of the Taiwan Relations Act.”

The U.S. Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 when the U.S. switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.

In addition, Obama commended Ma — who has pledged closer economic ties with China — for having extended “the hand of peace and cooperation to Beijing.”

Ma has vowed to soon implement cross-strait direct flights, which have been banned between Taiwan and China since former President Chiang Kai-shek lost a civil war to the Communist Party in China and fled to Taiwan in 1949.

In the letter, Obama said that “I sincerely hope the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will respond to the beginning of your presidency in a constructive and forward-leaning way.”

“It is important for Beijing to demonstrate to the people of Taiwan that the practical and non-confrontational approach that you have taken towards the Mainland can achieve positive results,” he stated.

Obama added that he hopes “there will be progress on issues including development of economic ties, expanding Taiwan’s international space, and cross-Straits security, on which you have made proposals that deserve a good-faith response.”

Taiwan’s efforts over the past decade to join the United Nations and other affiliated international organizations have failed repeatedly because of opposition from China.

China argues that only sovereign countries are entitled to membership in these organizations.

China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and has threatened to use force if the self-ruled island declares formal independence.

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