Highlights | Taiwan is a successful democracy, says US House speaker

United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen addressed the media at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California on Wednesday (April 6) following their meeting despite threats from China. Speaking to reporters, Taiwanese President Tsai said that a large bipartisan meeting of US politicians who met her showed that  Taipei is "not isolated" in the face of Chinese anger. Read more

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said on Wednesday that Taiwan is a successful democracy, a thriving economy and a global leader in health and science. McCarthy added that the US' cooperation with Taiwan continues to expand through dialogue and exchange.  

"Thank you Speaker McCarthy for the warm welcome. It's a pleasure to be back at the Reagan Library & enjoying the California sunshine as we work to strengthen the bond between Taiwan & the US," Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen tweeted. 

The meeting between US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in California is sure to draw a strong reaction from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to bring it under its control. 

McCarthy, a Republican leader who is regarded as the number three in the US leadership hierarchy due to his speaker position welcomed Tsai at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, near Los Angeles.

According to an AFP report, US House speaker met and greeted Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen in California on Wednesday morning. 

"Beijing should not use the transit as an excuse to take any actions to ratchet up tensions, to further push it changing the status quo," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding the meeting. 

According to various media reports, the meeting between Tsai and McCarthy is expected to take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Alongside McCarthy, a bipartisan group of lawmakers will also meet Tsai. 

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Wednesday morning said he met Tsai during her last week's stopover in New York. 

“We had a very productive conversation about the mutual security and economic interests between America and Taiwan. We also discussed our shared commitment to democracy and freedom.”

The announcement comes hours before Tsai is expected to meet US House Speaker. 

A pro-Beijing group gathered outside Tsai's LA Hotel chanting the slogan “One China”. Meanwhile, another group of supporters gathered with drums, chanting and holding Taiwanese flags. 

Terry Gou, the founder of Taiwanese multinational electronics manufacturer Foxconn is attempting to seek a presidential nomination for Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT) for a second time.

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The Taiwanese defence ministry on Wednesday informed that a Chinese aircraft carrier had been deployed in the waters off the island's southeast coast. 

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President Tsai was greeted by a cheerful group of Taiwanese citizens at the Los Angeles Airport. 

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening ahead of her proposed meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.