Speaker McCarthy met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday in defiance of warnings from the CCP; McCarthy stressed China can’t tell him what to do.
“I am the speaker of the House,” McCarthy told reporters, according to The New York Times. “There is no place that China’s going to tell me where I can go and who I can speak to, whether you be foe or whether you be friend.”
Tsai thanked House members for supporting her country’s independence during statements at the Air Force One Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
“Their presence and unwavering support reassure the people of Taiwan that we are not isolated and we are not alone,” Tsai said. “In the discussion with congressional leaders this morning, I reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to defending the peaceful status quo — where the people of Taiwan may continue to thrive in a free and open society.”
Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) also made remarks at the event.
Watch the remarks below.
“@SpeakerMcCarthy and this bipartisan delegation are here today to send a simple message — we are not afraid.”
“We support our friends in Taiwan [who]… stand as a bright candle burning at the edge of a vast authoritarian darkness.” – Chairman @RepGallagher from @Reagan_Library pic.twitter.com/Y2yjYsLk5J
— Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (@committeeonccp) April 5, 2023
McCarthy confirmed that the day was a reminder that we must continue to support Taiwan.
Based on today's conversations, it’s clear several actions are necessary: We must continue arms sales to Taiwan and make sure such sales reach Taiwan on time. We must also strengthen our economic cooperation, particularly with trade and technology. https://t.co/zmguDX4uHR
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) April 5, 2023
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