Former US Vice President Mike Pence Arrives in Taiwan, reaffirms US Commitment to Taiwan’s Security
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Former US Vice President Mike Pence arrived in Taiwan on January 16, 2025, marking a notable moment in US-Taiwan relations. Pence’s visit, which included meetings with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Meiqin, underscored the United States’ unwavering support for Taiwan’s freedom and security.
Pence’s trip to Taiwan followed his participation in a forum with business leaders in Hong Kong,were he shared his itinerary on Twitter. According to sources, Pence decided to extend his visit to Taipei to “understand the situation with his own eyes” and to remind the Taiwanese people that the United States is their ally. “The United States will not allow what happened in Hong Kong to happen in taiwan,” Pence emphasized.
During his stay, Pence met with senior technology leaders on january 17 and traveled to Taipei via high-speed rail to attend additional events, including a dinner at a prominent hotel. His visit highlighted the importance of taiwan’s role in global technology and security.
A Strong Message Against Isolationism
Pence’s visit comes amid growing concerns about China’s intentions toward Taiwan. In an August 2023 op-ed in The Washington Post, co-authored with Republican leader Ed feulner, Pence criticized the “disturbing trend of new isolationism within the Republican Party,” which he argued could lead to the betrayal of Taiwan and other allies.
“Distance has nothing to do with our responsibility to safeguard American interests,” Pence and Feulner wrote. They cited historical examples, such as the US involvement in Normandy Beach (3,700 miles away), Iwo jima (7,600 miles away), and Afghanistan (7,000 miles away), to emphasize that the United States remains a global superpower capable of projecting power worldwide.
The op-ed also warned of the consequences of failing to support Taiwan. “If Taiwan is annexed, the United States’ security commitments will be regarded as a blank check,” they wrote. “If the United States is unable or unwilling to stop China’s predatory behavior, many countries will feel they have no choice but to develop nuclear weapons, significantly raising the risk of nuclear proliferation or even nuclear war.”
Pence’s global Advocacy for US Allies
Since leaving office, Pence has been a vocal advocate for US allies, making several international trips to express support. He has visited Ukraine twice to emphasize the importance of US backing in the face of Russian aggression. In January 2024, Pence traveled to Israel following the Hamas raid in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 Israelis.
Pence’s visit to Taiwan aligns with his broader mission to reinforce US alliances and counter global threats. His presence in Taipei sends a clear message to both Taiwan and China: the United States stands firmly with its democratic partners.
Key Takeaways from Pence’s Visit
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Purpose of Visit | To reaffirm US support for Taiwan’s freedom and security. |
| Meetings Held | Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Meiqin. |
| Key Message | The US will not allow what happened in Hong Kong to occur in Taiwan. |
| Historical context | Pence has consistently advocated for US allies, including Ukraine and Israel.|
| Strategic Importance | Taiwan’s role in global technology and security. |
A Call to Action
Pence’s visit serves as a reminder of the importance of international alliances in maintaining global stability. As tensions in the Indo-Pacific region continue to rise, the United States’ commitment to Taiwan remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
For more updates on US-Taiwan relations and global security, follow The Hill and The Washington Post.
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This article is based on exclusive reporting from Central News Agency and incorporates insights from Mike Pence’s public statements and op-eds.
Mike Pence’s Taiwan Visit: A Deep Dive into US-Taiwan Relations and Global Security
Former US Vice President Mike Pence’s recent visit to Taiwan on January 16, 2025, has reignited discussions on US-Taiwan relations and the broader implications for global security.Pence’s meetings with Taiwanese President lai ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Meiqin underscored the United States’ commitment to Taiwan’s freedom and its strategic role in technology and security. To unpack the significance of this visit, we spoke with Dr. Jonathan Carter, a renowned expert in international relations and US foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Significance of Pence’s Visit
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us.Let’s start with the visit itself—what makes this trip so notable in the context of US-Taiwan relations?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. Pence’s visit is significant for several reasons. First,it’s a clear reaffirmation of the US commitment to Taiwan’s security and freedom at a time when China’s pressure on the island is increasing. Second, the timing is notable—it follows Pence’s participation in a business forum in Hong Kong, where he explicitly linked the fate of Hong Kong to Taiwan’s future. His statement, “The United States will not allow what happened in Hong Kong to happen in Taiwan,” is a powerful message to both Taiwan and Beijing. the high-level meetings with Taiwanese leaders, including President Lai and Vice President Hsiao, signal the depth of the US-Taiwan partnership.
Taiwan’s Role in Global Technology and security
Senior Editor: Pence’s trip also included meetings with senior technology leaders. How does Taiwan’s role in global technology factor into the broader geopolitical landscape?
Dr.Carter: Taiwan is a linchpin in the global technology supply chain, notably in semiconductor manufacturing. Companies like TSMC are critical to industries worldwide, from consumer electronics to defense systems. Pence’s engagement with tech leaders underscores Taiwan’s strategic importance not just to the US, but to the global economy. This visit also highlights the potential risks of China’s ambitions in Taiwan—if Beijing were to exert control, it could disrupt global tech supply chains and give China a significant advantage in the tech race. The US is clearly aware of this and is taking steps to ensure Taiwan remains a key ally.
Pence’s Warning Against Isolationism
Senior Editor: pence has been vocal about his concerns regarding isolationism within the Republican Party. How does his Taiwan visit fit into this broader critique?
Dr.Carter: Pence’s visit is a direct counter to the isolationist tendencies he’s criticized. In his August 2023 op-ed in the Washington Post, co-authored with Republican leader Ed feulner, he argued that retreating from global commitments, including support for Taiwan, woudl undermine US interests and encourage aggression from adversaries like China.By visiting Taiwan, Pence is putting his words into action, demonstrating that the US must remain engaged globally to protect its allies and maintain stability. He’s using Taiwan as a case study to highlight the dangers of isolationism and the importance of projecting US power abroad.
The Broader Implications for US Foreign Policy
Senior Editor: Beyond Taiwan, how does Pence’s visit reflect broader trends in US foreign policy?
Dr. Carter: Pence’s visit aligns with a broader mission to reinforce US alliances, particularly in the face of growing threats from China and Russia. As leaving office, he’s made similar trips to Ukraine and Israel, emphasizing the importance of US support in countering aggression.This visit to Taiwan sends a clear message that the US is committed to its democratic partners and will not back down from defending them. It also signals continuity in US foreign policy, despite the shifting political landscape. Pence’s actions are a reminder that alliances are crucial to maintaining global stability and countering authoritarian expansion.
A Call to action: What’s next for US-Taiwan Relations?
Senior Editor: what steps do you think the US should take next to solidify its commitment to Taiwan?
Dr. Carter: The US needs to continue its diplomatic and military support for Taiwan, including regular high-level visits like Pence’s, arms sales, and joint exercises. It’s also crucial to work with allies in the Indo-Pacific region to create a unified front against potential Chinese aggression. Economically, the US should deepen its ties with Taiwan’s tech sector to ensure supply chain resilience. Ultimately, the most significant step is to maintain a consistent and clear policy that reassures taiwan of US support while deterring China from taking unilateral actions.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights. This has been a engaging discussion on the implications of Pence’s visit and the future of US-Taiwan relations.
Dr. Carter: My pleasure. thank you for having me.
This interview was conducted by the Senior Editor of world-today-news.com and reflects the views of Dr. Jonathan Carter, an expert in international relations.