TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kuomintang presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih visited The Heritage Foundation on Tuesday (Sept. 19) in the U.S., marking his fourth participation in a think-tank meeting.
Michael Cunningham, an analyst at the Asian Studies Center, explained that he doesn't consider Taiwan the most dangerous place globally, even though the country faces serious threats from mainland China.
Cunningham refrained from revealing explicit meeting details but stated that scholars and experts questioned Hou on many topics, to which he responded candidly.
The discussion also featured Jeff Smith, director of The Heritage Foundation's Asian Studies Center, senior policy advisor for China and the Indo-Pacific in The Heritage Foundation's Asian Studies Center, Bryan Burack, and various scholars and experts.
During the round table discussion, Hou reportedly expressed his hope that his U.S. visit would enlighten Americans about Taiwan's vital role in the Indo-Pacific region and its commitment to be a "responsible stakeholder" — one who doesn't create problems but acts as a "promoter of peace" and a "risk reducer."
During the closed-door meeting, Hou also acknowledged the international community's worry that Taiwan could become the next flash point of a world war. Both parties exchanged views on this issue.
