Pelosi Calls for Taiwan’s Participation in Global Organizations During Phone Conversation with President Lai
In a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reaffirmed her strong support for Taiwan during a 20-minute phone call with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Sunday. According to Lai’s spokeswoman, Pelosi emphasized Taiwan’s right to participate in international organizations, a critical issue in Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global standing.
Key Points from Pelosi’s Call with President Lai
The call was part of a broader diplomatic practice where Taiwanese presidents engage with U.S. political leaders, particularly those who have consistently supported Taiwan. President Lai, who is currently in Hawaii as part of a diplomatic trip to the South Pacific, reached out to several senior U.S. politicians during his visit, with Pelosi being one of the key figures he spoke with.
Pelosi’s Support for Taiwan’s Global Role
During the conversation, Pelosi welcomed Lai’s arrival in the U.S. and congratulated him on his victory in the 2024 presidential election. She also praised Taiwan’s achievements in democracy, freedom, and economic development, calling the Taiwanese people “courageous.”
Pelosi expressed her belief that the consequences of losing Taiwan would be “unimaginable” and stressed the importance of Taiwan’s participation in global institutions, including the World Health Organization (WHO). The former speaker’s continued advocacy for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations highlights the growing bipartisan support for Taiwan in the U.S. Congress.
Double-Taxation and Other Issues on the Agenda
In addition to the topic of Taiwan’s global participation, the two leaders discussed other significant issues, including Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, artificial intelligence, and the looming threat of Chinese military aggression against Taiwan. Pelosi also pointed out the ongoing efforts to resolve the double-taxation issue between Taiwan and the U.S., which both sides are working to address through negotiations.
Historical Context of Pelosi’s Support for Taiwan
Pelosi, who made a historic visit to Taiwan in August 2022, is one of Taiwan’s most prominent advocates in the U.S. Her visit marked the first time in 25 years that a sitting U.S. House Speaker visited Taiwan. The visit triggered strong retaliatory measures from China, including large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, which simulated a potential blockade.
Lai’s Diplomatic Journey and Regional Alliances
Following his call with Pelosi, President Lai will continue his trip to the South Pacific, visiting Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu. His diplomatic itinerary includes a brief stop in Guam before heading to Palau on December 5, a country with formal diplomatic ties to Taiwan. Lai is expected to return to Taiwan on December 6 after completing his seven-day trip.
Table: Key Highlights from Pelosi-Lai Phone Call
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Participants | Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, President Lai Ching-te |
| Phone Call Duration | 20 minutes |
| Main Topic | Taiwan’s participation in international organizations |
| Pelosi’s Remarks | Praised Taiwan’s democracy, economic success, and the courage of its people |
| Other Issues Discussed | Double-taxation issue, semiconductor industry, AI, Chinese military threat |
| Historical Context | Pelosi’s 2022 visit to Taiwan and the ensuing Chinese military response |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What was the main topic of the phone call between Pelosi and President Lai?
- The main topic of the call was Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, particularly the World Health Organization (WHO).
- What did Pelosi say about Taiwan’s role in the world?
- Pelosi emphasized that the consequences of losing Taiwan would be “unimaginable” and reiterated her support for Taiwan’s inclusion in global institutions.
- How did Pelosi support Taiwan during her visit to Taiwan in 2022?
- During her visit, Pelosi made a historic trip to Taiwan, becoming the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit in 25 years, which prompted a series of retaliatory actions from China.
- What issues were discussed during the phone call?
- Apart from Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, Pelosi and Lai discussed Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, artificial intelligence, and the ongoing threat of Chinese military action.
- What is the current status of Taiwan-U.S. relations?
- Taiwan-U.S. relations remain strong, with bipartisan support for Taiwan’s democracy, security, and international participation.
Conclusion: Strengthening Taiwan’s Global Position
The phone call between Pelosi and President Lai highlights the continued strong support for Taiwan from the U.S., particularly in the areas of global participation and security. With ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and growing international recognition of Taiwan’s role in global supply chains, such diplomatic engagements are crucial for ensuring Taiwan’s position on the world stage.
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