McCarthy: U.S.-Taiwan bond stronger now than ever

SIMI VALLEY (TVBS News) — Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen warned on Wednesday that democracy is facing challenges.

President Tsai made the statement after meeting with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier that day to reaffirm the strong bond between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Speaking at the joint press conference after the historic meeting at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, McCarthy said he believes the bond between the U.S. and Taiwan "is stronger now than at any time of point in [his] lifetime."

"Of course, President Tsai is a great champion of that bond," McCarthy said.

Tsai later points out the challenges Taiwan faces while defending freedom and democracy. 

"It is no secret that today, the peace we have maintained and the democracy which we have worked hard to build are facing unprecedented challenges.

A bipartisan group of 18 House members also attended the meeting to show support, despite receiving warning letters from Li Xiang, the embassy's liaison to Congress, stating the consequences if the meeting took place.