U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.), chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, extended his congratulations to the newly-elected leaders of Taiwan, underlining the success of Taiwanese democracy. In a press release issued from his Congressional office in Washington D.C., Smith expressed his unwavering support for the people of Taiwan and pledged to collaborate with the country and its new leadership in the future.
Smith lauded Taiwan's democratic achievement, stating, "The courageous people of Taiwan have again inspired freedom-loving people around the world by demonstrating that democracy, constitutional governance and respect for human rights are indeed compatible with Chinese tradition—rejecting the lies of Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party." He continued by congratulating William Lai and Bi-khim Hsiao on their electoral victory, expressing eagerness to work with them to "safeguard and advance democracy and civil and political rights". He concluded by affirming that "Congress, and the American people, support the free people of Taiwan."
According to his House biography, Smith is a Republican who represents New Jersey's 4th Congressional district. A senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he also chairs its Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations Subcommittee. Furthermore, he serves as chairman of the bipartisan House/Senate/White House Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC). Smith is currently serving his 22nd year in Congress.
As reported by CNN, Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s current vice president, emerged victorious in the election held on Saturday, Jan. 13. Lai commented on this democratic milestone saying: "The election has shown the world the commitment of the Taiwanese people to democracy, which I hope China can understand." His running mate was Hsiao Bi-khim, former top envoy to the United States who was elected vice president. The opposition Kuomintang candidate Hou Yu-ih received 33.49% of the votes, while the Taiwan People’s Party candidate Ko Wen-je secured 26.45%. In response to the election results, China reiterated its claim that Taiwan is a part of China.
CNN reported that 71% of the population, approximately 14 million people, participated in the election. A spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed notions of Taiwanese independence and stated: "whatever changes take place in Taiwan, the basic fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not change."
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, as reported by Reuters, commended the people of Taiwan for "demonstrating the strength of their robust democratic system and electoral process." Blinken also discussed future relations with Taiwan: "We look forward to working with Dr. Lai and Taiwan's leaders of all parties to advance our shared interests and values, and to further our longstanding unofficial relationship, consistent with the U.S. one China policy."
