TAIPEI, Taiwan (TVBS News) — Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te met with former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss at the presidential office on Thursday (May 18) to discuss freedom and democracy and Taiwan's commitment to maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the meeting, Lai stressed the importance of Taiwan and democracies working together against various threats.
Lai drew examples from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's recent activities, pointing at the disruption and impact it has on the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
Taiwan will "stand firm at the frontline of the Indo-Pacific island chain," the vice president added.
Following Lai's speech, Truss also called for a closer relationship between Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
The former prime minister emphasized that the UK has recently joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on March 31, adding that she would like to see Taiwan join as well.
"What I want to see over the coming years is a close relationship between Taiwan and the United Kingdom for the protection of freedom and democracy in this vital part of the world," Truss said.
