U.S. will not use Taiwan as bargaining chip: Foreign Minister Wu

Taipei, Oct. 4 (CNA) Many of the senior officials in the administration of United States President Donald Trump are highly supportive of Taiwan, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Thursday, dismissing concerns Taiwan could become a bargaining chip in negotiations between Washington and Beijing.

Asked to comment on Taiwan-U.S. relations during the Trump administration, Wu said Washington's support for Taipei has been consistent over the past decades, on the basis of the Taiwan Relations Act, through different administrations.

Many of the senior officials of the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, and Randall Schriver, U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, are longtime supporters and friends of Taiwan, going back to earlier posts, according to Wu.

Wu said he does not see those officials changing their long held stance on Taiwan in their new posts.

The reciprocal visits by senior government officials from Taiwan and the U.S. have increased significantly over the past years, which can be seen as concrete proof of improved ties between the two sides, he said, but did not provide any data on such visits.

Wu further said he does not share the concern expressed by many that Trump might use Taiwan as a bargaining chip in the U.S.' negotiations with China.

Washington officials have given Taiwan the assurance that it will not be used as a bargaining chip in the U.S.' dealings with China, he said.

Furthermore, the Taiwan government will uphold and safeguard the interests of the country in its dealings with other nations, Wu said.