Below are remarks Michael R. Pompeo made at the Formosa Republican Association in Taipei, Taiwan.
Good morning, ladies, gentlemen—and the good people of Taiwan!
It is a profound honor to address you today. Two years ago, during my first trip to Taiwan, I was deeply moved by your hospitality and your warm welcome, even at the height of the COVID pandemic. During that trip, I saw Taiwan’s resilience as a free country led by a capable government.
Here once again, I am with you at yet another landmark moment of your country when a democratically elected president makes a peaceful transition to a new era full of challenges and opportunities.
But I feel particularly fortunate that this event is hosted by Taiwan’s leading conservative NGO, the Formosa Republican Association. Formosa is a nickname for Taiwan, it means beautiful island, and in your language, the United States is called MEIGUO, the beautiful country, and I am a Republican and a conservative. So you are really making me feel at ease and at home.
MAINTAINING A BALANCE OF CONSERVATISM AND LIBERALISM IS KEY TO A HEALTHY AND MATURE DEMOCRACY
But I am not here as a partisan advocate for conservative values. I am here to celebrate Taiwan’s great success in embracing both conservative and liberal values and making such synergy the bedrock of Taiwan’s vibrant body politic, social stability and economic prosperity.
In recent years, Taiwan is known as having a progressive, liberal government, but the balancing impact of traditional and conservative values and institutions is often forgotten. As an interested observer, I believe it is important for us to stress the other source of Taiwan’s democratic success, that is, the underlying conservative heritage in facilitating Taiwan’s remarkable modernization and democratization.
Let me first address the pivotal role that conservative views, traditional values, and foundational institutions play in the fabric of democracy, particularly through the lenses of the United States and Taiwan.
In Taiwan, traditional values and institutions have been instrumental in its stable transition to a mature, modern nation. Taiwan exemplifies the success of a democracy that critically hinges on a calculated balance of tradition and modernization. Unlike regimes such as Communist China, which have faltered partly due to their abandonment and destruction of traditional values and institutions, Taiwan has nurtured its cultural heritage alongside embracing progress.
Consider the healthy interplay between the conservatives and the liberals in Taiwan. This pluralist society forms the true basis for democracy. Taiwan, often recognized as the most progressive nation in Asia, is not just progressive in the Western liberal sense; it is inclusive. Taiwan embraces the Green Agenda, supports LGBTQ rights with robust legal frameworks, and was among the first in Asia to legalize gay marriage. Yet, it also respects conservative voices, like those from the Formosa Republican Association, setting a sterling example of pluralistic democracy.
One cannot overlook the emphasis on meritocracy and education rooted deeply in Chinese tradition. This emphasis provides a pool of well-trained talents who run factories, manage industries, and govern with efficiency. It is almost a marvel to find more U.S.-trained engineers and entrepreneurs in Taipei than in some capitals in the West.
Moreover, Taiwan’s respect for authority, influenced by Confucian traditions, fosters a robust rule of law. This respect is evident as citizens engage vigorously in political processes, yet gracefully accept electoral outcomes—a hallmark of mature democracy.
The tradition of community welfare in Taiwan underscores the balance between collective well-being and individual gains, promoting social harmony and active participation in public life. This balance is crucial for a democratic society to thrive.
Furthermore, Taiwan's religious tolerance is exemplary. A polytheistic society, Taiwan actively involves all faiths in contributing to societal growth. Buddhist and Christian groups support social justice initiatives, while local temples and community centers serve as forums for political discussion and community mobilization.
Economically, Taiwan is buttressed by family-run businesses that integrate traditional family values into their operations, which has proven highly successful. These enterprises, primarily small and medium-sized, are the backbone of Taiwan’s economy and a testament to the strength of family ties that reward hard work and honest communication.
In an era where extreme left-wing ideologies often challenge traditional values and institutions, Taiwan stands as a beacon of how tradition and modernity can coexist and enrich each other. This adaptive and evolving nature of Taiwan's society and political landscape showcases the flexibility and resilience necessary for democratization.
Therefore, let us take inspiration from Taiwan’s example: valuing our traditions does not mean rejecting progress. It means building on the foundation that has stood the test of time, adapting it wisely and respectfully for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
WHY SHOULD THE UNITED STATES DEFEND TAIWAN?
Now let me move next to discuss a matter of profound urgency and importance: why the United States must defend Taiwan from potential Chinese invasion. This is not merely a choice—it is an imperative rooted in legal, moral, strategic, and economic foundations.
First, we are bound by both the Taiwan Relations Act and international law. The Taiwan Relations Act clearly stipulates that the United States shall provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. This is not just a legal obligation but a moral one. It reaffirms our commitment to democracy and the sovereign right of people to determine their own future. In defending Taiwan, we uphold the universal values of sovereignty and territorial integrity—principles that are the bedrock of international law and order.
Secondly, the strategic implications of abandoning Taiwan would be severe. Taiwan's location is pivotal, commanding the gateway between the Pacific and South China Seas. If Taiwan were to fall under Chinese control, it would significantly alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. This would not only challenge U.S. influence but could also embolden China to further enforce its territorial claims, like those in the South China Sea, potentially leading to escalated tensions and broader conflicts.
Thirdly, supporting Taiwan reinforces the credibility of America’s commitments around the world. Our allies—Japan, South Korea, the Philippines—are watching. They rely on our resolve and support to counterbalance regional threats. Furthermore, the abandonment of Taiwan could trigger a dangerous trend toward nuclear proliferation. Nations, doubting the reliability of our protective umbrella, might choose to arm themselves independently, increasing the risk of nuclear arms races—a scenario we must avoid at all costs.
Fourthly, Taiwan plays a crucial role in the global economy, particularly in the technology sector. Any conflict that threatens Taiwan's stability has direct consequences for global markets, disrupting trade routes and supply chains, thus impacting not only regional but global economic stability—including that of the United States.
All in all, defending Taiwan is not merely about protecting a small island democracy; it's about preserving a strategic frontier, upholding international law, safeguarding economic interests, and maintaining global peace and stability. It is about making a stand for the values we cherish and the alliances we have pledged to honor.
Let us be clear-eyed about the stakes and steadfast in our resolve. Let us ensure that our actions today will lead to a safer, more stable, and just world tomorrow.
WHY SHOULD THE TAIWANESE PEOPLE BELIEVE IN AMERICA’S SUCH COMMITMENT TO DEFEND TAIWAN?
But why should the Taiwanese people believe in America’s resolve to defend Taiwan? The answer lies in our laws, our strategic interests, and our shared history.
The obvious and easy answer is that, as I alluded to earlier, the U.S. government is legally required by the Taiwan Relations Act to ensure Taiwan has sufficient capability for self-defense and that the U.S. will not allow use of force to change the status quo in Taiwan. The Taiwan Relations Act legally binds the U.S. to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself and to remain capable of resisting any form of coercion. Over the years, this has translated into significant military support—advanced fighter jets, missiles, naval vessels—tangible proof of our commitment to Taiwan's defense capabilities.
Of course, it is also without doubt that our dedication is not just a matter of legal obligation but also of strategic imperative. The United States has a vested interest in maintaining geopolitical stability in the Taiwan Strait. Keeping this region stable prevents a significant shift in regional power dynamics, which is crucial for American interests in free navigation and overflight in the Asia-Pacific. Furthermore, containing Chinese influence in the region aligns with both American and Taiwanese interests, making our defense of Taiwan crucial in the broader strategy of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Any doubt about America’s commitment to defend Taiwan should vanish quickly if one looks at historical precedents.
Historically, the United States has a track record of standing by its allies. From Kuwait during the Gulf War to Kosovo in the Balkans Conflict, and offering indirect support to Ukraine against Russian aggression, the U.S. has shown a pattern of supporting sovereign nations under threat, and willingness to fight. While our history includes both moments of strong support and perceived abandonment, it is clear that where our strategic interests are deeply involved, as they are with Taiwan, where demonstrated will to resist aggression is strong, our commitment remains firm, unquestionably rock-solid.
Here I’d like to particularly point out that America’s commitment to Asia-Pacific region’s peace and security has been stronger than our defense commitment in any other parts of the world, including Europe and the Middle East. We fought in the Korean War, we have had more permanently deployed troops and weapons of war in this region than anywhere in the world, including 53,000 troops in Japan which is the largest single country overseas deployment, and 24,000, the third largest, in South Korea. More than two-thirds of America’s entire maritime and naval assets are under the INDOPACIFIC Command responsible for military actions against any aggression in the region, especially the PRC’s repeated threats against Taiwan. In Japan is our largest overseas military deployment, the mighty U.S. 7th Fleet which for decades patrolled the Taiwan Strait and was instrumental in preventing Taiwan from a Chinese communist military invasion. Taiwan’s defense is intrinsically tied to all this military commitment, even more so today than ever, as we face an aggressive communist China.
In the halls of U.S. Congress and across the political spectrum, Taiwan enjoys remarkably strong bipartisan support. This support transcends administrations and political shifts, rooted in a shared commitment to democracy and human rights. Furthermore, public and political advocacy for Taiwan’s defense is vocal and robust, with leaders from politics, the military, and academia stressing the importance of defending Taiwan as both a moral and strategic imperative.
From a practical standpoint, the U.S. maintains a significant deterrent posture in the Pacific. Our forward-deployed forces in Japan, South Korea, and Guam, along with frequent freedom of navigation operations, serve as a robust deterrent not just against North Korean aggression but also against any potential Chinese military actions against Taiwan.
The bottom line is that the Taiwanese people have every reason to trust in America’s resolve to defend Taiwan. Our commitment is unwavering. Together, our nations stand as beacons of democracy, facing challenges not in isolation, but hand in hand. Let us move forward with confidence in our partnership, trust in our shared commitments, and faith in our continued alliance.
TAIWAN DESERVES AND THE U.S. SHOULD GIVE, WASHINGTON’S DIPLOMATIC RECOGNITION AS AN INDEPENDENT AND SOVEREIGN COUNTRY
Ladies and gentlemen, today, I speak to you not just as a former Secretary of State but as an advocate for a world that respects the fundamental principles of sovereignty, democracy, and international law. It is time for the United States to recognize Taiwan as the sovereign and independent country it so clearly is. This is not just a diplomatic gesture—it is a recognition of reality, a stand for justice, and a stride towards global stability.
The history is clear. The context of the Three Communiqués, upon which U.S.-China relations were originally predicated, has evolved. The primary issue at hand was the representation of China, a competition in which the People's Republic of China was deemed the legitimate representative. However, Taiwan has long ceased its competition with the PRC over this claim. Since the late 1990s under President Lee Teng-hui, Taiwan has not only moved away from this contest but has also forged its own identity—an identity overwhelmingly endorsed by its people. Today, a resounding majority of Taiwanese identify themselves solely with Taiwan, not China.
The call for Taiwan's diplomatic recognition by the United States is thus a call to affirm this existing reality. Taiwan governs itself democratically; it controls its territory, engages in international trade, and more importantly, it does so as a separate entity from the People's Republic of China. None of Taiwan’s territory is under the PRC's sovereign or administrative control. To suggest otherwise is not only misleading but flies in the face of the observable facts.
For decades, the PRC has misinterpreted the U.S. stance laid out in the Three Communiqués. While the U.S. acknowledges the Chinese claim that Taiwan is part of China, this acknowledgment has never equated to agreement. This deliberate ambiguity, while once a strategic buffer, now serves more to embolden Beijing’s aggressive posture toward Taiwan and mislead the international community.
The era of strategic ambiguity has served its purpose and should now be retired. It is time to embrace clarity. Taiwan's legitimate government, elected democratically by its people, contrasts sharply with the authoritarian regime of the CCP, which does not reflect the consent of the governed—a cornerstone of legitimate governance recognized in democratic nations around the world, including our own.
More importantly, recognizing Taiwan aligns with America's founding principles—support for popular sovereignty, democracy, and international law. Just as the world stands with Ukraine against aggression based on flawed historical and ethnic claims, so too must it stand with Taiwan. Both situations reflect a similar challenge to the international order—aggression under false pretenses against independent nations.
The United States, by recognizing Taiwan, not only corrects a historical oversight but also strengthens its stance in a region where democratic values are under threat from authoritarian forces. This action would affirm the U.S.'s commitment to democracy and international law, and provide a stronger foundation for Taiwan to resist any unilateral attempts to alter its status by force.
Ladies and gentlemen, recognizing Taiwan is not merely a policy adjustment—it is a moral imperative, a strategic necessity, and a rightful acknowledgment of the democratic processes that define a true, sovereign state. It is time for the United States to lead boldly, act justly, and recognize Taiwan as the independent and sovereign nation it truly is.
Thank you.