Taiwan Awards Medal to Pompeo, Former U.S. Secretary of State

President Tsai Ing-wen's Contributions to Taiwan-US Relations During Her Tenure
Pompeo: The US Will Continue to Stand Together

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Cho Young-shin] Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen awarded a medal to former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Pompeo is a figure banned by the Chinese government from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 3rd, President Tsai met with former Secretary Pompeo at the Presidential Office in Taipei and awarded him the "Order of Jingxing," according to Taiwan's Central News Agency. The Order of Jingxing is a medal given by the Taiwan president to Taiwanese and foreigners who have made significant contributions in political affairs.

At the medal awarding ceremony, President Tsai said, "Former Secretary Pompeo has long supported Taiwan's international participation and, during his tenure as Secretary of State, created numerous breakthroughs in Taiwan-U.S. relations," specifically mentioning the lifting of restrictions on exchanges with Taiwan and the normalization of arms sales to Taiwan.

She added, "Visits by American friends like Pompeo demonstrate the deep friendship between Taiwan and the United States," and said, "Let us continue to visit frequently and work together to deepen and develop Taiwan-U.S. relations."

Former Secretary Pompeo said, "I believe Taiwan and the United States are determined to defend freedom and will not tolerate aggression," and added, "During President Tsai's term, no one will trample on the yearning for freedom, and I believe the United States will continue to stand together with Taiwan."

Given that Pompeo is one of the major 'dark horse' figures in the U.S. Republican Party, Taiwan is welcoming his visit even more enthusiastically.

After leaving office, Pompeo joined the Hudson Institute, a conservative U.S. think tank, and arrived in Taipei on the night of the 2nd at the invitation of Taiwan think tank the Yuanzheng Foundation. He plans to stay in Taiwan until the 5th before returning.

Pompeo's visit to Taiwan comes amid growing security concerns in Taiwan following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, during which the United States has strongly expressed bipartisan support for Taiwan.

Separately from Pompeo, former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen, leading the official U.S. delegation dispatched by President Biden, also visited President Tsai the previous day and declared that the United States will firmly uphold its "commitment to Taiwan."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.