TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Director Raymond Greene of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) stated on Wednesday (Sept. 4) that they are unaware of any specific details regarding Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) Chairman Ko Wen-je's (柯文哲) planned visit to the United States.
However, AIT welcomes the opportunity for leaders of Taiwan's political parties to visit the U.S., he added.
Media personality Clara Chou (周玉蔻) recently revealed that Ko originally planned to visit the U.S. on Sept. 2, though Taiwan People's Party spokesperson Judie Lin (林子宇) refuted this claim, stating that Ko is considering a one-week visit starting on Sept. 21. Lin also mentioned that AIT has already contacted the TPP to express their interest in this matter.
Greene emphasized that AIT welcomes visits from leaders of Taiwan's political parties but refrains from commenting on Taiwan's domestic issues. He noted AIT's strong interest in the development of Taiwan's democratic system and its continuous close monitoring.
Regarding a previously scheduled meeting with Ko in August, which was canceled due to Ko's involvement in a political donation case, Greene confirmed that AIT maintains a close relationship with the Taiwan People's Party, including Ko. Reflecting on his two months as director, Greene highlighted substantial and warm interactions with both the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) and the TPP.
Greene expressed his pleasure at the Legislative Yuan's increasing engagement with the international community, which achieves the goal of continuing to deepen Taiwan's connections with society.
He noted that despite differing opinions on domestic issues, there is strong bipartisan consensus on Taiwan's national security, Taiwan-U.S. relations, and foreign relations.