TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) welcomed former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence to Taiwan on Friday (Jan. 17), highlighting his visit as a private endeavor that underscores his support for the Taiwanese people. Pence's visit, part of his Asia-Pacific itinerary, came at the invitation of private entities.
According to a report from The Hill, Pence arrived in Taiwan a day earlier and planned to meet President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴). Pence will meet with top technology leaders before traveling to Taipei for additional activities and a dinner at the Taipei Guest House.
Pence aims to "see the situation firsthand" and remind Taiwan of the U.S. alliance, ensuring that events similar to those in Hong Kong do not unfold in Taiwan. A source indicated Pence's decision to visit Taipei followed his participation in a business forum in Hong Kong. Pence's organization, Advancing American Freedom, declined to comment on the visit.
In response to past remarks by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Pence and Ed Feulner criticized the notion that Taiwan's distance from the U.S. complicates defense efforts. They argued that the U.S. must safeguard Taiwan's freedom and security, warning that Taiwan's annexation could undermine U.S. security commitments and escalate nuclear proliferation risks. Pence and Feulner emphasized the U.S.'s capability to project power globally, regardless of distance.