Former US defense chief says Taiwan key to US’ Indo-Pacific strategy

Policymakers and experts from around the world met in Taipei today for a one-day forum on the latest security developments in the Asia-Pacific region. President Tsai delivered the opening address, saying Taiwan would continue to defend democracy against challenges from Chinese aggression. Ash Carter, who served as US secretary of defense during the Obama administration, attended the forum in a show of support for Taiwan. At the event, Carter emphasized that Taiwan was an important part of the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy.President Tsai Ing-wen and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu attended a security forum titled “Ketagalan Forum: 2018 Asia-Pacific Security Dialogue.”Tsai Ing-wenPresidentIt has continued to employ sharp power to influence its neighbors, including conducting military exercises in the region and sending aircraft to encircle Taiwan. It also uses its economic might to pressure multinational companies to change their designation of Taiwan. Taiwan has been at the forefront of defending our shared democratic values.Former U.S. secretary of defense Ash Carter also delivered a keynote speech at the forum. He spoke out in a show of support for Taiwan.Ash CarterFormer US secretary of defenseI am a strong supporter of the traditional U.S. policy, implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act, and a strong unofficial relationship with Taiwan, including in the military sphere.Carter attended the forum today as part of a two-day Taiwan visit. At the event, he emphasized that Taiwan was a key part of the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy, and he expressed support for continued close ties between Taiwan and the US.