TAIPEI (TVBS News) — American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Sandra Oudkirk held her second press conference as head of the AIT on Tuesday (Nov. 29) to discuss Taiwan's recent elections and reaffirm support from the United States.
Speaking at the conference, Oudkirk praised the openness and fairness of Taiwan's elections.
"They were free and fair; the views of the voters were fully expressed," she said.
Oudkirk added: "AIT looks forward to continuing to work with those who were re-elected, and to working with those who are newly-elected."
Her statement has put a temporary pause on concerns regarding local election results and its possible impact on other countries' views toward Taiwan's stance on the global stage.
During the press conference, Oudkirk also confirmed plans to travel to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) fab in Arizona to welcome the arrival of the latest equipment.
She dispelled worries and reassured Taiwan that setting up fabs in the U.S. would not diminish the country's support for Taiwan in the slightest.
"Investment decisions don't have bearing on our support for Taiwan under the 'Taiwan Relations Act,'" she said, adding that "a single investment decision, even a really big one, is not going to change that."
Through the press conference, Oudkirk stressed Taiwan's shared values with the U.S. and provided insights into the U.S.'s latest stance toward Taiwan relations.
