TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley commended the Taiwanese for cherishing democracy in a meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Thursday (Aug. 22).

She said Taiwan is home to brave people who understand the importance of freedom and democracy. China on the other hand values power and oppression, flaunting its authority by suppressing its citizens, per the Presidential Office.

She emphasized that her visit to Taiwan was to demonstrate solidarity and reassure Taiwanese the American public supports them and takes pride in its successful development. 

The former ambassador expressed her desire to continue strengthening the partnership between Taiwan and the US in areas such as the military and commerce while continuing to advocate for the importance of democracy.

The moral difference between Taiwan and China became even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, Haley said. While Taiwan alerted the world about the virus originating from China, China tried to conceal this fact, failing to warn the world. This arrogance resulted in the loss of millions of lives globally, and to this day, China has not taken responsibility, she said.

Haley added that she feels it is necessary to explain to Americans why Taiwan matters once she returns home. We cannot wait to see if China will invade Taiwan; we must be proactive by strengthening alliances and drafting plans, she said.

Haley advocated for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN in a keynote speech at the Ketagalan Forum on Wednesday. “The US should elevate Taiwan on the world stage. You should no longer be silenced in global affairs,” she said.