TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — U.S. President Joe Biden is reportedly sending a delegation led by a former advisor to attend the inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on May 20.
As Lai prepares to take office, CNA cited a senior U.S. official as saying that Biden has directed his former advisor, among others, to form a delegation to attend the inauguration. The official said the arrangement follows precedent and if Beijing resorts to military or coercive measures, it would be seen as "provocative behavior.”
The official added the four-member delegation appointed by Biden includes:
- Brian Deese, who stepped down as director of the National Economic Council last February
- Richard Armitage, who served as deputy secretary of state during President George W. Bush's administration
- Richard Bush, former chair of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT)
- Laura Rosenberger, AIT chair
AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk will also be in attendance
The official said that for over 20 years, the U.S. has sent delegations of former officials to Taiwan after presidential elections and before inaugurations. This practice aligns with Washington's “one-China” policy, status quo, and longstanding practices.
An inauguration is part of the democratic process. If Beijing chooses to respond with military pressure or coercion against Taiwan, it would be seen as “provocative behavior,” warned the official.
The official said the delegation will arrive in Taipei over the weekend. In addition to attending the inauguration, the delegation will hold a series of meetings, added the official.
The official reiterated the U.S.' unchanged cross-strait policy and hoped that differences could be resolved peacefully.
The official pointed out the U.S. has not changed its longstanding position on Taiwan and follows its “one-China” policy based on the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances to Taiwan.
When asked if the U.S. had discussed Lai's inauguration speech with the incoming president, the official said that AIT has been communicating with Taipei on U.S. cross-strait policy, and such communication has been ongoing during President Tsai Ing-wen's (蔡英文) tenure.
Under the new president, the official said the U.S. hopes for no change and repeatedly emphasized the importance of "maintaining the status quo."